Press Release for Media Briefing of the Shanghai Municipal Government on June 3, 2026

2026.06.03

On the morning of June 3, the Information Office of Shanghai Municipality held a press briefing, where Zhou Lan, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, outlined preparations for the 12th China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair (CSITF). Zhai Jinguo, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Science and Technology, Yu Chen, deputy director of the Shanghai Intellectual Property Administration, Xu Xin, deputy chief of Pudong New Area and Zhou Jin, vice president of Donghao Lansheng Group, attended the briefing and answered questions from reporters. Hosted by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, the 12th CSITF will be held from June 11 to 13 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center under the theme “Fostering a New Ecosystem for Technology Trade, Charting a New Chapter in Global Cooperation.” Preparatory work for the event has been largely completed.I. CSITF OverviewThe 12th China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair (CSITF) is being held in line with the national and Shanghai agendas set out in the 15th Five-Year Plan, which prioritize scientific and technological innovation and high-level opening-up. Guided by the principles of “innovation-driven development, intellectual property protection, and technology trade promotion,” the fair will feature a thematic exhibition hall, four specialized technology exhibition zones, and an innovation and trade services zone, spanning a total exhibition area of 38,000 square meters. This year’s event will bring together innovative technologies and achievements from 22 countries and regions and 24 provincial-level regions across China. Exhibitor participation has surpassed the 1,000 mark for the first time, reaching a record 1,006 companies and organizations. During the fair, organizers will host an opening ceremony, three themed days dedicated to the Guest City of Honor, international organizations and intellectual property, as well as more than 100 supporting events.II. Key HighlightsFirst, a stronger focus on industry specialization. In line with the 15th Five-Year Plan’s call for deeper integration of technological and industrial innovation and the cultivation of new quality productive forces, this year’s fair has tailored its exhibition layout to showcase cutting-edge technologies across strategic growth sectors. The Digital Intelligence Technology Zone will spotlight advances in artificial intelligence, foundation models, commercial cryptography, the industrial internet and smart ports, highlighting Shanghai’s achievements in digital transformation. Supporting China’s dual-carbon goals, the Green Technology Zone will feature innovations in green fuels, energy storage and transportation, and agricultural technology. Reflecting the country’s strategy to build a strong maritime sector, the Marine Technology Zone will showcase intelligent vessels, offshore engineering equipment and maritime communications technologies, underscoring Shanghai’s strengths and leadership in marine industries. To support efforts to boost consumption, the Consumer and Health Technology Zone will present new technologies and products in areas such as smart homes, brain-computer interfaces, rehabilitation and elderly care. Through interactive demonstrations and immersive experiences, the zone will also highlight the latest “AI + Consumption” applications in fields including wearable devices, beauty products and fashion.Second, a broader and more diversified program of supporting events. This year’s fair will adopt a “1+3+N” framework. The Guest City of Honor Day will host economic and trade exchange events involving Chinese and international participants. The International Organizations Day will bring together organizations including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) for high-level discussions and promotional events on international technology cooperation. The Intellectual Property Day will include activities such as a briefing for foreign consulates on Shanghai’s intellectual property developments. Complementing the exhibition themes, more than 40 sector-specific promotion and exchange events will be held. These include the Conference on Cryptography Applications and Innovation Development and the Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Innovation Forum, both focused on advancing industrial innovation. To facilitate cross-border trade and investment, the fair will also host the “Export to China” 2026 Shanghai International Technology Cooperation Matchmaking Conference. In addition, more than 60 supply-and-demand matchmaking sessions between Chinese and international enterprises will be organized.Third, deeper international engagement and cooperation. This year’s edition will, for the first time, adopt a dual Guest City of Honor mechanism covering both domestic and international participants. The international Guest Cities of Honor are Lausanne, Switzerland, and the Scottish Cities Alliance of the United Kingdom, comprising Glasgow, Stirling, Inverness, Dundee and Edinburgh. Dalian and Nanjing will serve as the domestic Guest Cities of Honor. An international exhibition zone will feature 74 companies organized by 26 overseas trade promotion agencies, chambers of commerce and industry associations from countries and regions including Germany and France. Exhibitors will showcase innovations in robotics, precision manufacturing and digital solutions, while releasing more than 80 technology cooperation opportunities to promote cross-border innovation partnerships and commercial collaboration.Fourth, more targeted business matchmaking and technology commercialization. By working closely with municipal and district-level authorities, leading industry associations, industrial parks, provincial representative offices in Shanghai, foreign consulates and overseas trade promotion organizations, organizers have established a multi-dimensional outreach network that integrates domestic and international resources, online and offline engagement, and targeted invitations to professional visitors. Alongside exhibitor recruitment and audience development, the fair has actively collected technology cooperation needs and project leads in advance to support matchmaking and commercialization efforts. Nearly 200 technology managers will attend the event to identify promising innovations and facilitate precise matching between technology suppliers and potential users, accelerating technology transfer and commercialization both in China and internationally.Fifth, a stronger service ecosystem. Focusing on the key stages of technology commercialization and technology trade, the fair will bring together 36 domestic and international universities, high-quality incubators, proof-of-concept centers, and open innovation platforms established by leading enterprises. Together, they will showcase the full innovation chain, spanning basic research, proof-of-concept validation, incubation, acceleration and industrial application. The Innovation and Trade Services Zone will feature 49 professional service providers specializing in intellectual property, technology finance, human resources and international legal services. Dedicated roadshows and matchmaking events will be held on-site, offering comprehensive support throughout the technology trade lifecycle, including technology showcasing, IP valuation and protection and commercialization services.