China’s MIIT launches program to cultivate AI application service providers across manufacturing

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is rolling out a structured program to identify high-value AI applications and nurture a new class of service providers capable of deploying them across manufacturing and other priority sectors. The program has set concrete numerical targets: the creation of 1,000 advanced industrial AI agents and the development of 500 notable application scenarios by the end of 2027. The AI+ blueprint taking shape In January 2026, MIIT collaborated with seven other government departments to issue the “AI + Manufacturing” Implementation Opinion. That document laid the groundwork for a multi-layered support system for AI service providers who specialize in both artificial intelligence and industrial applications. In April 2026, MIIT Vice Minister Ke Jixin announced the “AI + Software” initiative, focusing on classified support and tiered cultivation of digital transformation service providers. The government is ranking AI companies by capability and directing resources accordingly, creating a kind of league table for firms building the tools that factories and enterprises will eventually use. Both initiatives sit under the umbrella of the broa...