Within the scope of the activities of Internationalisation and the Zhongguancun Enterprise Service Representative Office in Italy, Italian Office of the Zhongguancun District of Beijing, SPICI coordinates the Italian participation in the World Internet Conference (China, November 2026), one of the leading global events on Digital Economy, Internet Economy and AI.

World Internet Conference (WIC) – Wuzhen Summit (November 2026)

The World Internet Conference (WIC), promoted by Alibaba Group, Tencent and GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communication Association), was created to promote dialogue and international cooperation on the themes of Digital Economy, Internet Economy and AI.

The Summit brings together technology companies, universities, research centres, experts, innovators, governments and organisations from around the world, offering significant opportunities for visibility and networking, matchmaking and engagement with global industry players.

In previous editions, giants such as Microsoft, LinkedIn, PWC, Huawei, AMD, Tesla, IBM, China Telecom, Siemens, SAP, ZTE, ARM, Apple, Ericsson, Qualcomm, Intel, Nokia, Alibaba, Tencent and Baidu, and universities such as Tsinghua University, UCL – University College London, University of Leeds, National University of Singapore, University of Hong Kong, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, have taken part in the work.

World Internet Conference (WIC) Awards for Pioneering Science and Technology

Within the Conference, the WIC Awards are aimed at companies and research groups that have developed hardware products and software solutions in the areas of Digital Economy, Internet Economy and AI.

Opportunities for the selected teams:

·        Participation in the World Internet Conference;

·        B2B-B2G matchmaking meetings;

·        Networking with companies, institutions, investors, industrial and scientific partners, and other Chinese and international stakeholders;

·        Awards and global visibility for the most innovative solutions;

·        Displaying your product at the Wuzhen Science and Technology Museum.

Target audience and innovation themes

The WIC Awards are open to Technology Companies and Research Groups that develop hardware products and software solutions in the following technologies:

·        Artificial Intelligence

·        5G, 6G and new network architectures

·        Quantum Computing and quantum technologies

·        Industrial Internet

·        Big Data

·        Cybersecurity and Network Security

·        Chips, processors and semiconductors

·        Digital Twin

·        Smart Cities

·        Blockchain

·        VR/AR and immersive technologies

·        Supercomputing

·        Satellite Internet

·        Green Energy applied to digital technologies

·        Operating systems and advanced software infrastructures

·        Digital solutions with high economic, social or industrial impact

Participation timeline

Participation in the World Internet Conference will be structured as follows:

·        Call for Application: applications open

·        Call for Application closes: 9 June 2026

·        Authoritative Review: July – August 2026

·        Communication of results: September 2026

·        Official presentation of the winning projects: World Internet Conference - Wuzhen Summit 2026  (November 2026, tbd)

Travel, meals and accommodation expenses coverage

A contribution is provided for the travel, meals and accommodation expenses of one representative per Company or Research Group.

Application process and deadlines

Participation is free of charge.

Applications must be submitted via Google Form by 9 June 2026, available at the following link: https://forms.gle/W1sXzeMNf9CX2UEU6 

Subsequently, an email must be sent to startup@spici.eu, attaching:

-            Copy of passport;

-            Pitch deck in English.

Email subject: “World Internet Conference 2026, Company Name, Expression of Interest”

Applications will be evaluated by the Programme organisers. The outcome will be communicated by September 2026, as per the participation timeline.