Published by ChinaMNC · Sajia

Jiangsu’s Physical AI & World Models Conference: A Guide for Foreign Founders

A practical overview of the 2026 Physical AI and World Models Conference in Jiangsu, highlighting policy signals, industry alliances, investment funds, and standards initiatives relevant to foreign founders exploring China’s AI sector.

Why This Event Matters for Foreign Founders

On October 20, 2026, the Physical AI and World Models Conference convened in Nanjing under the theme “Modeling the Physical World, Inspiring a Better Future.” For foreign founders considering company registration or operations in China—particularly in AI, robotics, or data-driven industries—the event offers early signals of provincial priorities, institutional support, and emerging regulatory frameworks. While the conference itself is not a direct investment guide, the announcements and government statements provide useful context for strategic planning.

Government Commitment and Strategic Direction

Governor Liu Xiaotao opened the conference and outlined Jiangsu’s approach. He described physical AI and world models as a key direction for extending AI from digital environments into the real world, upgrading systematic cognition, and enabling deployment in physical scenarios. The province, he said, will focus on expanding application scenarios, attracting innovative talent, strengthening computing infrastructure, optimizing the industrial ecosystem, and fostering a favorable environment. The goal is to provide comprehensive, full-chain support for academic research, technical breakthroughs, scenario validation, and industry cultivation. He also expressed a desire to collaborate with top global talent, quality teams, and innovative enterprises to explore new frontiers of AI.

For foreign founders, this signals that Jiangsu is actively courting international expertise and investment in physical AI. It suggests potential opportunities for partnerships, pilot projects, and access to government-backed resources—though specific incentives would need to be confirmed with local authorities.

Key Announcements and Initiatives

The conference featured several concrete developments that could shape the operating environment for AI companies:

• Investment Fund: A strategic cooperation agreement for the “Physical AI and World Models Investment Fund” was signed, witnessed by Zhang Wenbing, Executive Vice Governor, and Li Zhongjun, Mayor of Nanjing. This indicates available capital for ventures in this space, though fund details and eligibility criteria are not disclosed in the source.
• Industry Alliance: The “Physical AI and World Models” Industry Alliance was established, alongside the National Data Annotation Pilot Su-Wan City Alliance (Yangtze River Delta Data Annotation Joint Innovation Center). Such alliances often facilitate collaboration, standard-setting, and market access.
• Data Action Plan: Jiangsu released a “Physical AI and World Models High-Quality Dataset Action Plan,” emphasizing data as a foundational resource. Foreign founders should note the growing focus on data quality and annotation, which may affect compliance and partnership opportunities.
• Typical Results and Scenarios: The province published typical achievements and application scenarios, offering a glimpse into prioritized use cases.
• Major Project Signings: A batch of major projects was signed, reflecting active commercial interest.
• Standards Development: The National Information Standards Committee’s Embodied Intelligence Working Group was established, and pre-research on the national standard “Artificial Intelligence – World Models” was launched. This points to forthcoming technical standards that could influence product development and market entry.

Remarks from National and Industry Leaders

Xia Bing, Deputy Director of the National Data Administration, noted that Jiangsu’s rich application scenarios provide a natural “training ground” for physical AI and world models. He encouraged the province to convert scenario advantages into data advantages, and data advantages into industrial advantages, aiming to lead and demonstrate in this field. For foreign founders, this underscores the value of aligning with local scenario-based projects and data initiatives.

Tan Tieniu, Chairman of the World Data Organization, emphasized deepening exchange and cooperation through the conference, promoting the integration of data chains, innovation chains, industrial chains, and talent chains, and translating conference outcomes into real productivity. This suggests a collaborative ecosystem open to international participation.

Dai Qionghai, Chairman of the Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence, stated that the conference will drive frontier technologies to meet real industrial needs, embed research innovation in industrial practice, and foster an innovation ecosystem with deep industry-academia-research integration. This reinforces the practical, application-oriented focus that foreign founders may find conducive to piloting technologies.

Attendance and Networking Opportunities

The conference drew a range of officials and representatives: Zhao Jianjun, Secretary-General of the Provincial Government; responsible officials from relevant departments of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the National Data Administration; leaders from provincial departments, units, and all designated cities; and representatives from enterprises, universities, research institutes, and investment institutions. Academicians, experts, and young entrepreneurs in AI also shared keynote insights. Before the opening, guests toured an exhibition. For foreign founders, such gatherings represent networking opportunities to connect with potential partners, investors, and government contacts—though participation typically requires prior engagement with Chinese entities.

Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders

While the source does not provide direct instructions for company registration or operations, several implications stand out:

• Policy Tailwinds: Jiangsu’s explicit support for physical AI and world models suggests a welcoming environment for related foreign-invested enterprises, but founders should verify sector-specific regulations and negative lists.
• Funding and Alliances: The new investment fund and industry alliance could offer avenues for capital and collaboration, though foreign entities may need local partners to access them fully.
• Data and Standards: The data action plan and standards initiatives indicate evolving compliance requirements. Foreign founders should monitor these developments and ensure data practices align with upcoming national standards.
• Local Engagement: Building relationships with Jiangsu’s government bodies, research institutions, and industry groups appears beneficial, given the province’s emphasis on ecosystem support.

Foreign founders should conduct thorough due diligence and consult local advisors before making commitments, as the conference announcements are high-level and implementation details remain unspecified.

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