Beijing gears up to host major AI forum

The upcoming 2025 Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing will focus on cutting-edge fields such as large-scale artificial intelligence models while continuing to highlight China's openness to international cooperation in science and technology, officials said on Thursday.

The forum, scheduled for March 27-31, will be themed "New Quality Productivity and Global Science and Technology Cooperation". It will feature five major sections, including forums and meetings, technology trading, the unveiling of achievements, competitions in cutting-edge fields and public engagement activities.

Lin Xin, vice-minister of science and technology, said at a news conference that 128 events involving more than 100 countries and regions are planned. Invitations have been extended to more than 1,000 guests, including top scientists, business leaders and government officials, to discuss global innovation and development.

The forum will continue to host professional discussions and major achievement releases in fields such as large AI models, embodied intelligence, quantum technology, biomedicine, 6G and brain-computer interfaces to explore trends in technology and industry, Lin said.

Additionally, this year's event will emphasize talent exchange by organizing special forums for young scientists, overseas returnees and women in technology to foster collaboration and innovation, she said.

"We sincerely hope that both foreign and domestic guests can gather in Beijing to share their views and enhance friendships during this science and technology feast," Lin said.

AI and humanoid robots will be a major highlight this year, drawing significant attention, officials said.

"We aim to make the Zhongguancun Forum's annual meeting a grand stage for the concentrated display of new technologies, products and scenarios," said Jin Wei, deputy mayor of Beijing.

Nearly 100 robots from 15 companies will perform tasks such as welcoming guests, engaging in conversations, hosting forums and performing throughout the event, Jin said.

"These robots not only boast lifelike appearances, but also possess a high level of intelligence, serving as intelligent assistants on-site to provide attendees with a fresh interactive experience," he said.

Other technologies will also be deployed throughout the forum. AI-powered simultaneous interpretation systems using voiceprint recognition and speech synthesis will allow speakers to deliver remarks in their native languages while audiences hear real-time translations in voices resembling the speakers. Electronic IDs, digital table signs and various smart services will be widely used, and unmanned shuttles will be available for guests.

During the forum, the final round of the international cutting-edge technology competition will be held. This year, the competition has drawn more than 3,200 projects from over 75 countries and regions, with overseas projects accounting for 40 percent of the total, the same as last year.

AI remains particularly popular, with 812 projects making up one-quarter of the total. High-level entrepreneurial ventures have also emerged in fields such as brain-computer interfaces, gene therapy and humanoid robots.

Founded in 2007 with "Innovation and Development" as its permanent theme, the Zhongguancun Forum serves as a national platform for China's global scientific and technological innovation exchanges and cooperation.