Wuhan Economic &Technological Development Zone (WEDZ) hosted an AI supply-demand matching event on June 5, during which it released its AI+ development action plan (2026-28).

The plan aims to expand the AI industry in the zone to over 40 billion yuan ($6 billion) by 2028, attracting more than 300 AI enterprises, establishing 80 demonstration applications and one super application.

WEDZ plans to utilize its strengths in the new energy vehicle cluster and focus on AI+ automotive and manufacturing to develop key sectors, including automotive-grade chips, intelligent cockpit ecosystems, and commercial applications of autonomous driving.

The plan supports companies including Voyah, M-Hero, and Lotus in integrating AI across their entire vehicle production chains, with the new energy and intelligent connected vehicle industry expected to exceed 500 billion yuan by 2028.

WEDZ is also committed to advancing embodied intelligence, focusing on over 10 sectors, including education, healthcare, and the low-altitude economy. It aims to establish 10 industry-specific AI systems, 15 smart campuses, and three smart hospitals.

Authorities will host 100 activities such as supply-demand matching, diagnostics, and roadshows, establish a database to support 10 AI startups, and support the intelligent vehicle software park and low-altitude industrial park.

WEDZ is home to over 200 AI companies, with an industrial output exceeding 15 billion yuan. The zone has developed a comprehensive AI industrial chain centered on intelligent connected vehicles, covering foundational, technological, and application layers.

AI applications from Dongfeng Motor, Neusoft Group, and iFlytek Central China showcased advancements in industrial manufacturing, scientific research, and social governance.

Yipai Technology also shared achievements in AI-driven production scheduling, quality control, and supply chain collaboration, highlighting AI's role in enhancing efficiency and reducing costs in automotive manufacturing.

A local official said the zone's abundant industrial applications make it an ideal testbed for AI technology implementation and the action plan aims to address bottlenecks in enterprises' digital transformation, ensuring AI technology is integrated into production processes.

Editor: Zhang Jing