The 2025 World Smart Industry Expo commenced on September 5 in Chongqing, China, showcasing over 550 companies and more than 3,000 innovations. The event, which emphasizes the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent connected new energy vehicles (NEVs), highlights transformative advancements in fields such as autonomous driving, digital city governance, and smart living.
This year’s expo centers around the theme of “AI+” and features Singapore as the Guest Country of Honor and Sichuan Province as the Guest Province of Honor. At the opening ceremony, nine keynote speakers emphasized AI’s role in driving social change. Among them, Harry Shum Heung-Yeung, Chairman of the Council at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, pointed to the emergence of embodied intelligence, predicting that future robots will learn, adapt, and collaborate in real-world environments.
In a similar vein, Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board and CEO of Digital Industries at Siemens AG, discussed how AI is propelling industries towards software-defined automation. He noted that this shift allows for increased flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability across various sectors.
The expo features 11 matchmaking events focused on AI, digital transformation, and equity financing. Key players such as Huawei, Baidu, and representatives from 40 investment institutions are present, fostering collaboration within the industry. Significant contracts worth over 200 billion yuan (approximately $27.5 billion) have been signed, with 120 billion yuan completed on-site.
Landmark projects showcased at the expo include Geely’s smart manufacturing initiative, which aims to enhance supply chains and contribute to Chongqing’s “33618” advanced manufacturing cluster. This municipal strategy is designed to upgrade the industrial structure and establish Chongqing as a nationally significant advanced manufacturing center. The focus will drive growth in key areas such as NEVs, electronics, materials, food processing, textiles, and biomedicine.
Within the expo, the NEV pavilion brings together 20 global automakers, including Changan, Seres, and Tesla, supported by over 100 parts suppliers and ecosystem partners. Attendees can observe advances in smart driving, software-defined vehicles, and intelligent manufacturing. The platform also serves as a launchpad for new technologies, including Changan’s “SDA Intelligence” brand and the Chongqing Low-Altitude Smart Management Service Platform.
Now in its seventh year, the World Smart Industry Expo, formerly known as the Smart China Expo, has established itself as a pivotal platform for digital innovation. It unites industry leaders, scholars, and policymakers to showcase breakthroughs in smart technology and encourage global collaboration.
