It was a science-fiction-like yet inspiring moment for participants at the finals of an artificial intelligence startup competition: a humanoid robot from Yushu Technology, also known as Unitree Robotics, walked onto the stage to unveil the list of the top 10 winners.
The 2026 Win in AI+ Entrepreneurship Gala — a key event following the finals of Win in AI+, a television program that connects entrepreneurs, investors, local governments and experts to drive innovation — took place in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, on Aug 9.
At the event, jointly hosted by China Media Group and the Hangzhou government, 36 investment agreements were signed, with a total value of 1.23 billion yuan ($182 million). In addition, 13 companies announced plans to establish operations in Hangzhou.
Launched in 2024, the program aired its first season in 2025 and its second season this year. Through the lens of television, it has documented China's rapid development in AI while offering a window into the journeys of entrepreneurs as they create, innovate and build startups.
The second season held road shows in seven Chinese cities — Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Shenzhen in Guangdong province, Nanjing in Jiangsu province, Tianjin and Hong Kong — as well as Singapore. Over nine months, 611 startup entrepreneurs from more than 1,000 companies competed, with 10 finalists emerging from a shortlist of 20.
From pioneers developing fundamental technologies, including embodied intelligence, large language models and AI chips, to innovators exploring applications in healthcare, autonomous driving, synthetic biology and intelligent office solutions, the program has offered a panoramic view of China's rapidly expanding AI landscape, according to the organizers.
The youngest attendee at the gala was an 8-year-old student named Huang Jinlai, better known online as Puman. Growing up in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, Jinlai said he began using AI products at the age of 5. He has since developed an AI application for installation in the elevator of his apartment building that automatically reminds residents not to smoke inside.
Speaking about his future, Jinlai said: "I want to run a small OPC (one-person company). I want AI to be my employees, my classmates to be my partners, and I also hope to have some adult friends as coaches." He then made an on-the-spot pitch to recruit investors and partners.
Wang Jian, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said the show ultimately comes down to one thing: belief — belief in the power of innovation, in a city's sustained commitment to technological development, and in the boundless possibilities of China's AI future.
The entire 11-episode second season of Win in AI+ will run on CCTV-2 and CMG's new media platforms starting Aug 21.
