Wuxi unveils ambitious plans to become leading 'AI+' benchmark city

Wuxi, Jiangsu province, has set its sights on becoming a leading city for "AI+" development and has released a pivotal policy outlining directives to enhance industry capabilities and support essential elements like computing power, data, talent and finance.

The policy document, titled "Policy Opinions of the Government on Building a Benchmark City for 'AI+'", reflects Wuxi's straightforward approach.

Businesses with innovative products and high potential are eligible for a one-time reward of up to 10 million yuan ($1.37 million), according to the document.

Notably, the financial incentives, aimed at reducing enterprise costs, span supply and demand aspects, fostering market dynamism.

Service-oriented enterprises holding crucial "data labeling" technologies may receive subsidies of up to 500,000 yuan based on their revenue levels and demonstrative impacts.

The city also focuses on edge computing, which can significantly reduce data transmission delays and boost data processing speeds. Initiatives to deploy edge intelligent computing power, including acquiring AI-integrated machinery, are eligible for up to 30 percent subsidies.

Wuxi's commitment to optimizing its industrial ecosystem is underscored by its support for enterprises, innovation consortia and research laboratories. These entities engaged in technical advancements and innovative research will receive financial assistance, with a maximum support limit of 200 million yuan.

This policy directive is just one of six planned by Wuxi.

In late April, the city will host the Wuxi AI Innovation Development Promotion Conference alongside the AI Innovation Achievement Exhibition.

The 2025 World Robot Contest and the AI Empowering New Industrialization Deep Dive (Wuxi Station) event are scheduled for the end of April.

By the end of 2024, Wuxi's AI industry had generated an annual operating income of 207.55 billion yuan, marking a 12.6 percent year-on-year growth.

Over 50 core humanoid robot enterprises have clustered in Wuxi, indicating the city's potential for significant contributions to the field of AI and promising development prospects.