Published by ChinaMNC · Karuo

Jiangsu Opens Physical AI & World Models Conference: A Signal for Foreign Founders

Jiangsu province hosted the 2026 Physical AI and World Models Conference in Nanjing, showcasing policy support, investment funds, and industry alliances. For foreign founders, this signals emerging opportunities in AI and data-related sectors, but requires understanding local registration and compliance.

Jiangsu Hosts Physical AI & World Models Conference: What Foreign Founders Should Know

On October 20, 2026, Jiangsu province opened the 2026 Physical AI and World Models Conference in Nanjing under the theme “Modeling the Physical World, Enabling a Better Future.” Governor Liu Xiaotao attended and delivered remarks. Also speaking were Xia Bing, Deputy Director of the National Data Administration; Tan Tieniu, Chairman of the World Data Organization; and Dai Qionghai, Chairman of the Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence. The event highlighted Jiangsu’s ambitions in physical AI and world models, with implications for foreign entrepreneurs considering company registration or operations in China.

Government Commitment to AI and Data

Governor Liu stated that exploring physical AI and world models is an important direction for AI technology to extend into the real world, upgrade systematic cognition, and land in physical scenarios. Jiangsu will focus on expanding scenario applications, attracting innovative talent, strengthening computing infrastructure, optimizing the industrial ecosystem, and creating a favorable environment. The province aims to provide comprehensive, full-chain, and all-factor support for academic research, technical breakthroughs, scenario validation, and industry cultivation in physical AI and world models. Liu expressed a desire to collaborate with top global talent, quality teams, and innovative enterprises to explore new frontiers of AI.

Xia Bing noted that Jiangsu’s rich application scenarios provide a natural “training ground” for physical AI and world models. He hopes Jiangsu will transform scenario advantages into data advantages, and data advantages into industrial advantages, taking the lead and demonstrating in the development of physical AI and world models. Tan Tieniu looked forward to deepening exchanges and cooperation through the conference, promoting deep integration of data chains, innovation chains, industrial chains, and talent chains, and converting conference outcomes into real productivity. Dai Qionghai said the conference will drive frontier technologies to meet real industry needs, root scientific innovation in industrial practice, and use technological iteration to drive industrial upgrading, creating an innovation ecosystem with deep industry-academia-research integration.

Key Initiatives and Signings

Zhang Wenbing, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Executive Vice Governor, and Li Zhongjun, Mayor of Nanjing, witnessed the strategic cooperation signing for the “Physical AI and World Models Investment Fund.” Several initiatives were launched:

• The National Data Annotation Pilot Su-Wan City Alliance (Yangtze River Delta Data Annotation Joint Innovation Center) was established.
• The “Physical AI and World Models” Industry Alliance was formed.
• Jiangsu released the “Physical AI and World Models High-Quality Dataset Action Plan” and announced typical achievements and scenarios.
• A batch of major projects were signed.
• The National Information Standards Committee Embodied Intelligence Working Group was established.
• Pre-research for the national standard “Artificial Intelligence – World Models” was initiated.
• Academicians, experts, and young entrepreneur representatives in AI gave keynote sharing sessions.
• Before the conference, guests toured an exhibition.

Attendees included 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; officials from provincial departments, units, and governments of all subordinate cities; and representatives from enterprises, universities, research institutes, and investment institutions.

Practical Implications for Foreign Founders

For foreign founders, this conference signals that Jiangsu is actively building an ecosystem for physical AI and world models, with government-backed funds, industry alliances, and data initiatives. If you are considering registering a company in China or operating in the AI and data space, Jiangsu—particularly Nanjing—may offer opportunities for collaboration, pilot projects, and access to talent and infrastructure. However, foreign founders should note that entering the Chinese market requires careful navigation of company registration, foreign investment regulations, and data compliance. The establishment of a national standard for world models and a data annotation alliance suggests increasing regulatory attention to data quality and AI safety, which may affect your operations.

To leverage these developments, foreign founders should consider:

• Understanding local incentives: Jiangsu’s focus on scenario applications and talent attraction may come with supportive policies for qualified enterprises.
• Engaging with industry alliances: The newly formed industry alliance and data annotation alliance could provide networking and partnership opportunities.
• Monitoring standards: The pre-research on national standards for AI world models indicates future compliance requirements.
• Assessing investment channels: The strategic cooperation on the investment fund may open avenues for funding, though details are not specified.

Foreign founders should also be aware that company registration in China typically involves determining the business scope, securing a registered address, and obtaining necessary approvals. For AI-related activities, additional data and security reviews may apply. It is advisable to seek professional guidance to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.

Next Steps

If you are interested in exploring opportunities in Jiangsu’s AI sector, consider attending future conferences or reaching out to relevant industry alliances. ChinaMNC can assist foreign founders with company registration and ongoing operations in China. For personalized support, contact us on WhatsApp or WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.

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