Chinese Premier Li Qiang addressed the opening ceremony of the 2025 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, China, on 26 July 2025. Li said that the Chinese government proposes the creation of a global AI cooperation organization, “We initially considered that the AI cooperation organization’s headquarters should be located in Shanghai, hoping to leverage China’s, especially Shanghai’s, first-mover advantage in AI to build international consensus, promote pragmatic cooperation, and ensure AI benefits all humanity.”
Complementing this initiative, the Shanghai government has on 28 July unveiled a comprehensive set of measures to accelerate AI adoption, including subsidies for computing power, model development, and talent acquisition (see policy highlights below). For businesses looking to capitalize on these opportunities, ICL offers expert guidance to navigate the evolving AI landscape and unlock growth potential in Shanghai and beyond.
The newly released measures provide significant support for AI-driven enterprises, including the following highlights:
- Subsidies for computing power: Up to 100% rental subsidies for early-stage companies and incentives for building private AI infrastructure.
- Funding for AI applications: Grants covering 30-50% of costs for large model development and application, high-quality data procurement, and cutting-edge research.
- Talent and ecosystem support: Attractive rewards for top AI professionals, open-source contributions, and cross-industry collaboration.
These policies create a fertile ground for innovation—but success requires a strategic approach to compliance, funding applications, and market positioning.
How ICL Can Help Your Business Succeed
1. Policy Advisory & Incentive Optimization
- Identify and secure subsidies, tax breaks, and grants relevant to your AI projects.
- Navigate regulatory requirements for AI deployments in high-value sectors (e.g., healthcare, finance, robotics).
2. Market Entry & Expansion Strategy
- Assess Shanghai’s AI ecosystem to determine the best entry points for your products or R&D.
- Connect with local partners, research institutions, and government-backed innovation platforms.
3. Investment & Funding Support
- Prepare compelling applications for grants and R&D funding under the new policies.
Act Now to Stay Ahead
Shanghai’s AI policies offer unprecedented opportunities—but competition is intensifying. Whether you’re a startup scaling your AI solution or an established firm exploring partnerships, ICL’s on-the-ground expertise ensures you move fast and avoid costly missteps.
