Published by ChinaMNC · Saga

2026 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference in Nanjing: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

The 2026 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference will be held in Nanjing from November 19 to 21, approved by the State Council and co-hosted by Jiangsu Province and the International Intelligent Manufacturing Alliance. For foreign founders operating or registering a company in China, the event offers insights into smart manufacturing trends, networking, and market opportunities. This article summarizes key facts from the official announcement and provides practical guidance.

2026 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference: A Gateway for Foreign Founders in China

Foreign founders looking to establish or expand their presence in China’s manufacturing sector should take note: the 2026 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference (WIMC) will be held in Nanjing from November 19 to 21. The event, approved by China’s State Council, is co-hosted by the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government and the International Intelligent Manufacturing Alliance. For entrepreneurs navigating China’s regulatory and business landscape, the conference presents a unique opportunity to understand the latest developments in smart manufacturing, connect with industry leaders, and explore partnership avenues.

Event Overview and Structure

According to a press conference held on October 27, the conference will feature one main thematic session, more than 10 specialized activities, and nearly 30 industrial ecosystem conferences. This multi-layered program combines high-level forums, achievement releases, frontier exhibitions, and industry matchmaking. Such a structure allows participants to engage with both strategic insights and practical applications, making it valuable for foreign founders seeking to align their business models with China’s manufacturing upgrade.

Key Highlights and Releases

The conference will showcase several significant outputs:

• Lighthouse-level smart factory construction achievements: These represent the forefront of intelligent manufacturing implementation in China.
• 2026 World and China Top 10 Scientific and Technological Advances in Intelligent Manufacturing: A benchmark for innovation trends.
• Series of research reports from the National Intelligent Manufacturing Expert Committee: Offering authoritative analysis and guidance.
• Innovative results such as lighthouse and excellence-level smart factories, industrial datasets, large model algorithms, and industrial world model generators.

These releases illustrate the transition of next-generation intelligent manufacturing from theoretical exploration to practical implementation. Foreign founders can gain insights into cutting-edge technologies and potential areas for collaboration or investment.

Jiangsu’s Industrial Ecosystem: A Foundation for Growth

Jiangsu Province, where the conference is held, boasts a robust industrial ecosystem that foreign founders can leverage. The province has:

• 28,000 enterprises with open industrial scenarios: Providing real-world testing grounds for smart manufacturing solutions.
• 27 national artificial intelligence typical cases: Demonstrating successful applications of AI in industry.
• Transformation diagnostic services for over 19,000 enterprises: Supporting digital upgrades across the board.

These figures underscore the depth of Jiangsu’s manufacturing base and its readiness for advanced technologies. For foreign founders, this translates into a mature market with ample opportunities for pilot projects, partnerships, and technology validation.

Practical Exchange and Problem-Solving

The conference will organize in-depth exchanges among academicians, experts, and industry elites. Topics will include:

• Iterative upgrading of smart factories
• Key equipment technology breakthroughs
• Implementation of domain-specific large models
• Capacity building for service providers

These discussions will directly address the pain points of enterprise digital transformation and distill replicable technical solutions and implementation models. For foreign founders, this is a chance to learn from real-world challenges and solutions, and to position their offerings in a way that resonates with local needs.

International Participation and Networking

A dedicated International Special Exhibition Area will be set up, attracting enterprises from countries such as Germany and Switzerland. This provides a physical platform for international exchange and cooperation. Foreign founders can use this space to showcase their technologies, connect with potential partners, and gain visibility in the Chinese market.

Why Foreign Founders Should Attend

For foreign entrepreneurs registering or operating a company in China, the WIMC offers multiple benefits:

• Market intelligence: Understand the latest policies, technologies, and trends shaping China’s smart manufacturing sector.
• Networking: Meet key stakeholders, including government officials, industry experts, and potential clients or partners.
• Opportunity identification: Discover niches for products or services that align with China’s industrial upgrade goals.
• Regulatory insights: Learn about standards and certifications that may affect your business operations.

Getting Ready for the Conference

To make the most of the event, foreign founders should consider the following steps:

• Register early: Ensure you have the necessary credentials and access to all sessions.
• Prepare your pitch: Clearly articulate how your technology or service addresses the needs of Chinese manufacturers.
• Schedule meetings: Reach out to potential partners in advance to secure one-on-one discussions.
• Understand the ecosystem: Familiarize yourself with Jiangsu’s industrial landscape and key players.
• Plan for follow-up: After the conference, maintain contacts and explore concrete collaboration opportunities.

Conclusion

The 2026 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference is more than a showcase of technology; it is a platform for international collaboration and business development. For foreign founders, it represents a valuable entry point into China’s manufacturing ecosystem. By participating, you can gain insights, build relationships, and position your company for success in one of the world’s largest manufacturing markets.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

For assistance with registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.