An aerial view of Longhua. File photo

Longhua District on March 10 released a draft policy aimed at accelerating the development of AI agents and strengthening collaboration with the One Person Company (OPC) ecosystem, offering financial support of up to 20 million yuan (US$2.8 million) for key projects.

The proposal, released for public consultation, outlines 10 policy measures designed to build a comprehensive ecosystem for the emerging AI agent industry, covering computing infrastructure, application scenarios, innovation platforms, enterprise development, investment and talent cultivation.

Strengthening infrastructure and application scenarios

A major focus of the plan is expanding computing capacity and accelerating the real-world deployment of AI technologies.

Companies developing AI agent technologies will be eligible for computing vouchers of up to 3 million yuan to help offset the cost of accessing high-performance computing resources.

To promote industry adoption, Longhua will also open 100 AI agent application scenarios under a challenge-based model that invites companies to propose technological solutions. Selected projects could receive subsidies of up to 4 million yuan.

The district also plans to establish AI agent innovation bases and provide operational subsidies of up to 2 million yuan for organizations involved in building and operating the OPC community.

Building an innovation ecosystem

The draft policy includes several measures aimed at strengthening the broader industry ecosystem.

Longhua plans to establish an AI agent industry collaboration platform linking enterprises, research institutes and developers. Projects that build public service platforms for the sector may receive subsidies of up to 20 million yuan, while companies or institutions that lead the formulation of industry standards could receive rewards of up to 1 million yuan.

The district will also introduce an AI agent empowerment framework to encourage technological breakthroughs. Companies whose algorithms are included in the Cyberspace Administration of China’s deep-synthesis service algorithm filing list may receive rewards of up to 5 million yuan. Organizations selected as winners in national artificial intelligence innovation task competitions may receive 2 million yuan in support.

Additional initiatives include hosting an AI agent innovation and entrepreneurship competition, with top prizes of up to 800,000 yuan, and providing R&D subsidies covering up to 50% of eligible costs for companies tackling core technologies.

To support industry growth, Longhua also plans to establish a dedicated AI agent industry fund and offer subsidies to technology companies that secure external investment.

Attracting talent and improving AI literacy

Talent development is another key pillar of the policy.

The district plans to offer funding of up to 3 million yuan for high-level professionals and launch programs to cultivate young talent in the AI sector.

Longhua will also introduce a public AI literacy initiative, supporting enterprises and institutions that organize training programs on AI agent technologies.