Zhangjiang AI Innovation Town. [Photo/WeChat ID: pdnews]

Shanghai's Zhangjiang AI Innovation Town has announced a new development plan, aiming to become a premier AI innovation hub in China by 2030.

After nine months of operation, the town has established a solid innovation ecosystem and set ambitious growth targets. By 2027, it plans to attract more than 800 AI companies, increase the industry's output to 65 billion yuan ($9.1 billion), and launch 30 AI demonstration projects. By 2030, it aims to host more than 1,000 AI companies with an industry output exceeding 100 billion yuan.

The two-square-kilometer innovation town is already home to more than 600 AI companies and over 30,000 AI professionals. Officials said the AI industry in Zhangjiang Science City now accounts for about one-quarter of Shanghai's total AI sector.

Since opening, the town has hosted 387 events, averaging nearly two a day. It has also launched several new facilities, including an AI application store and an AI roadshow center, to support business development and innovation.

The town is now shifting its focus toward strengthening its ecosystem by helping startups connect with partners, customers, and investors.

One startup, IntelliSource, which develops AI large-model solutions for the energy sector, said the town's support services helped it quickly connect with companies across the industry chain.

Industry experts also said the town's comprehensive AI ecosystem, spanning chips, foundation models, data and applications, has positioned it as an attractive destination for investors seeking promising AI projects.

AI Matrix Store at the Zhangjiang AI Innovation Town. [Photo/WeChat ID: pdnews]

AI products attract visitors at the Zhangjiang AI Innovation Town. [Photo/WeChat ID: pdnews]