From April 14–15, 2026, the 12th CDIE Digital Innovation Expo, hosted by Dot Connector, successfully concluded at Shanghai Zhangjiang Science Hall.
As one of the most influential digital innovation events in China, CDIE 2026 centered on the theme “Turning AI into Productivity.” The two-day event brought together 150+ high-profile speakers, 120+ exhibiting companies, and 4,000+ industry decision-makers, delivering a high-density, high-value, and highly practical exchange on how AI can translate into real business outcomes.
From concepts to implementation, and from technology to growth, CDIE 2026 brought together cutting-edge global technologies and real-world business value in China. Here is a complete look back at two days of insights, discussions, experiences, and connections.
Five forums opened simultaneously on the first day. The main forum featured an all-star lineup of industry leaders, while four dedicated tracks — Global Expansion, Finance, Marketing, and Retail — explored practical AI applications across key business functions.
C-Suite Collaboration: Driving Enterprise Evolution in the Age of AI
Opening Address — Chenhua Yang, Founder of Tech+, Initiator of CDIE & GDIE: reaffirmed the vision of “connecting technology with business growth”, with a focus on unlocking scalable business value from AI.
Yue Fang, Director of the Center for AI and Management Innovation, China Europe International Business School (CEIBS): examined the gap between AI pilots and business returns, and outlined a systematic path toward enterprise AI adoption.
Haifei Qi, CEO, BMW (Nanjing) Information Technology Co., Ltd.: shared practical examples of how AI can be embedded across the automotive value chain.
Kangxuan Hou, Deputy General Manager & Chief Strategy Officer, ManageEngine Zoho China: explored how AI is reshaping intelligent IT operations in manufacturing and enabling proactive prediction.
Wenhong Liu, Deputy District Governor and Party Leadership Group Member, Xuanwu District People's Government, Nanjing: presented the vision of “Innovative Xuanwu, Intelligent Leadership and Openness.”
Mabel Lu, Former Global Vice President of Digital Transformation, Danone: introduced the concept of “Slow AI, Fast Growth,” emphasizing that sustainable growth comes from deep, practical application in specific business scenarios.
Xiaoqin Chu, APAC CIO of Dow Chemical, moderated a high-level roundtable featuring executives from BMW, Schneider Electric, Carrefour, and AXA Tianping.
The discussion focused on three critical challenges: C-suite alignment, breaking down organizational silos, and balancing AI investment with business returns.
Vincent Delacourt, CIO, LVMH Fashion Group China: explored the idea that “your job has never been about collecting information” and argued that successful AI adoption starts with people rather than technology.
Huiyi Zhu, Vice President, MaiFuShi: discussed the enterprise intelligent growth engine in the age of AI-native business.
Baocai Xie, Vice President of Process & IT, Nippon Paint Investment Co., Ltd.: shared practical approaches to creating an AI flywheel through the integration of data and business processes.
Dr. Jia Sun, Co-Founder, Zhongke Shiji (Nanjing) Robotics Co., Ltd.: explored embodied intelligence and humanoid robots with dexterous manipulation capabilities.
The 6th CDI Huaying Digitalization Index Awards Ceremony was held in the evening, recognizing outstanding achievements across categories including Top 10 AI Integration & Innovation Cases, Digitalization Pioneers, and Outstanding Technology Service Providers, setting new benchmarks for the industry.
The first day also featured four dedicated tracks covering Global Expansion, Finance, Marketing, and Retail, each focusing on practical AI applications and business transformation.
Leading companies including Lenovo, Lumi United Technology, and Ninebot explored cross-border operations, global marketing, data compliance, and localized payment solutions.
Discussions covered practical strategies for emerging markets including Latin America and Central Asia, providing AI-powered approaches to help Chinese companies expand globally.
Global CFOs from Carrefour, Hilti, Würth, and 111.com discussed finance-business integration, intelligent accounting, cost forecasting, and AI-powered travel and expense management.
A key takeaway was clear: AI can take over repetitive work, allowing finance professionals to focus more on data analysis and strategic decision-making.
Executives from Coty, Changan Automobile, and other leading brands explored AI-powered growth across channels, GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), and AI-native CRM.
The discussions addressed growing concerns around traffic acquisition while exploring new approaches to sustainable brand growth.
Companies including AEON, Kidswant, Li-Ning, and Shanghai Auntie shared practical applications of multi-agent systems, AI-powered store operations, and omnichannel customer management.
The discussions covered scenarios across maternal and infant retail, new-style tea beverages, building materials, and other sectors.
On the second day, five dedicated forums focused on Manufacturing, FMCG, Healthcare, Supply Chain, and Data Security, bringing AI productivity into a broader range of industry-specific scenarios.
Industry leaders from GigaDevice, Airbus, BOE, Bosch, Covestro, Dow Chemical, and others explored AI strategy, global technology foundations, R&D innovation, and green transformation.
The overarching message from the roundtable was that AI is evolving from a productivity tool into a core factor of production for manufacturing.
Executives from L'Occitane, Jinmailang, and C&S Paper shared applications of AI in distribution, intelligent marketing, product forecasting, and localized innovation by multinational companies.
The discussions explored how traditional FMCG businesses can use AI to rethink their business models.
Companies including KingMed Diagnostics, Kede Pharmaceutical, Genscript, and Dekai Medicine focused on AI-powered drug discovery, data governance, compliance-driven efficiency, and precision diagnosis and treatment.
The forum explored how AI is opening a new chapter for intelligent healthcare.
Executives from Schneider Electric, Top Group, PUMA, and Ugo shared applications of AI in demand forecasting, intelligent scheduling, digital transformation of global cold-chain operations, and cost optimization.
The discussions examined how AI can help businesses manage uncertainty and build more resilient supply chains.
Security experts from ISC2, LVMH Fashion Group, IM Motors, and the New Development Bank examined AI-related ransomware threats, quantum risks, security governance, and data compliance.
The forum explored how organizations can establish stronger security foundations while continuing to innovate with AI.
The 6,000-square-meter exhibition area brought AI technologies and real-world applications to life through immersive experiences.
Expanded Scale: 6,000㎡ of exhibition space, featuring 9 specialized exhibition zones and 5 functional zones.
AI & Robotics Spotlight: Humanoid robots, robotic dogs, intelligent inspection robots, and other innovations were showcased together.
Must-Visit Exhibitors: Tencent Cloud, Kingdee AI, Workato, ManageEngine, Tongtianxiao, Shengyi Technology, GuanData, Qining Technology, and InfiRay attracted significant attention from attendees.
Business Networking: More than 4,000 professional visitors participated in business discussions, with numerous partnership opportunities initiated on site.
The roadshow sessions focused on practical AI innovation. Yunfu Intelligence, Juliusha Technology, and SillyMD showcased end-to-end AI solutions and real-world efficiency gains across three key scenarios: AI interaction, knowledge intelligence, and ecosystem collaboration.
Closed-door discussion sessions were initiated by business leaders and focused on topics including CIO career transformation, AI value in FMCG and retail, GEO strategies for brands, and AI transformation in finance.
Through focused discussions, participants addressed real business challenges while gaining practical insights and valuable professional connections.
The Connections Lounge, sponsored by Saipin Coffee, provided limited-edition customized beverages and served as a central space for networking, business discussions, and relaxation — creating an ideal environment for building high-quality professional connections.
The Royal Tiger booth brought food and energy to the exhibition floor, serving up to 6,000 crispy grilled sausages and 2,400 Portuguese egg tarts throughout the event.
We would also like to extend our special thanks to Shanghai Tongjitang, Yang Le Jun, Muhlan, Shuimangmang, Domino's, Wanglaoji, NIO, Wolong Food, Qingfeng, Nongfu Spring, Jinmailang, Gujing Gongjiu, and dozens of other gift sponsors for their support.
During CDIE 2026, six closed-door executive sessions were held across different industry tracks, bringing together senior professionals and facilitating focused business connections.
IBM: AI agents and integration technologies — building new paradigms for intelligent manufacturing
DeepVision Intelligence: Leveraging full-domain data to reshape end-to-end marketing value
Ant Digital Technologies: Exploring the Xinglan Initiative — digital transformation and ecosystem collaboration in the age of AI
Workato: From China to the world — AI integration and orchestration for more efficient global operations
Lingmou Intelligence: AI + retail end-to-end intelligence — reshaping FMCG terminal operations
Akamai: Protecting API security in the age of AI — securing business with AI
From 2015 to 2026, CDIE has remained a long-term partner for Chinese enterprises navigating digital transformation.
In 2026, we focused on turning AI into productivity.
Looking ahead, we will continue to serve as a connector between technology and business, a window to global perspectives, and a partner for local innovation.
Our mission remains clear:
To turn every technology into tangible business value, and every innovation into real, measurable growth.
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