AI innovation salon explores next-generation development paths

An innovation salon co-hosted by GUiTEK and the Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, was held on July 31, aiming to explore cutting-edge trends in artificial intelligence (AI) and discuss the integration of technology, applications, and the AI industry.

The salon brought together nearly 200 participants, including leading AI experts, entrepreneurs, investors, and representatives from the government. Discussions focused on industry practices, emerging opportunities, and building consensus on the high-quality development of Anhui's AI industry.

Representatives speak at the salon. [Photo/GUi]

"AI is entering a period of both technological breakthroughs and strategic opportunity, integrating with all industries and transforming the way we live and work," said Ji Chao, CEO of LindenBot, an embodied robotics company.

However, the rapid pace of change creates pressure even for AI professionals. Tang Jin, professor at Anhui University, noted that focus is shifting rapidly toward multimodal fusion, embodied intelligence, and AI for Science.

Bringing these advances into industries requires a supportive innovation ecosystem. Zhang Bo, CEO of Ray Solution, a medical device enterprise, highlighted that "once the right resources remove barriers, the speed of progress can rise dramatically." His company now holds over 860 patents in 13 countries.

Incubation platforms are also playing a critical role. Cai Hao, deputy general manager of Zhong'an Chuanggu Technology Park, said that AI is one of their key focus areas, and it is already home to over 120 AI enterprises.

As technologies prove market value, capital inflows are accelerating. The investment company of HuaAn Securities is actively investing in areas such as multimodal large models and brain-inspired intelligence.

"AI's greatest charm lies in its ability to transform industries — making the invisible visible," Cai added, underscoring the significance of technology.

As one of China's key cities for the new-generation AI industry, Hefei is advancing its "AI + all industries" strategy. Grand Union of Innovation (GUi), Anhui's innovation platform for commercialization and incubation, is bridging fundamental research in areas such as brain-inspired intelligence and multimodal technologies with market applications.