The Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization has officially launched a call for applications to identify and register artificial intelligence solution providers and service consortiums within the city. This initiative is designed to build a dedicated resource pool of qualified vendors, ensuring that various industries have access to high-quality AI services. The program directly supports the national strategy to accelerate the development of the "AI Plus" sector and aligns with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's directive on cultivating AI application service providers.

Scope of the Call

The term "AI application service provider" refers to enterprises or institutions that address the intelligent needs of client organizations. These entities offer a range of services, spanning strategic planning, implementation, maintenance, and security. Specifically, the call welcomes providers offering consulting and planning services, which may include business strategy, industry analysis, management system development, and project design. It also seeks providers specializing in delivery and implementation, such as platform utilization, custom application development, and system integration.

Furthermore, the resource pool includes providers focused on operational management, covering services like hardware maintenance, system monitoring, software updates, and product iteration. Providers of security governance services are also targeted, offering risk prevention, security hardening, and threat alerts. Finally, the call includes supporting services, such as AI-related training, education, and testing or evaluation.

Application Requirements for Providers and Consortia

To be eligible, a service provider must be a legal entity or organization registered in the People's Republic of China, operating normally with a good credit record and sound financial systems. Detailed criteria regarding basic qualifications, service capabilities, team expertise, and case histories are specified in the application annexes. For those applying as a service consortium, the group must be led by one primary service provider and include at least two upstream or downstream partner organizations. The lead entity is responsible for submitting the consortium's primary capabilities, service case studies, and all related supporting documentation.

Application Timeline and Submission Process

The application process consists of three main stages. First, in the public application phase, candidates must complete the official application form and submit electronic copies, including both Word documents and signed scans, to their respective district authorities before September 30, 2026. It is imperative that each entity submits its application through a single channel only; duplicate submissions via multiple routes are prohibited. Second, during the preliminary review phase, district authorities will assess the applicants based on local industrial strengths and key AI application trends. They must submit their recommended list and related materials to the municipal commission by October 30, 2026.

In the final stage, the committee will organize expert evaluations, which may include panel reviews, defense sessions, or on-site inspections. The selection and recommendation process is scheduled for completion before November 15, 2026. Following this, the finalized service provider resource pool and consortium information will be reported to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology by December 1, 2026.

Important Notes for Applicants

All applicants are encouraged to apply directly, as the commission has not authorized any third-party agencies or individuals to handle applications on its behalf. The review process follows strict standards and procedures, and no fees are charged at any stage. If any individual or organization is found to be soliciting payments from companies under the false pretense of representing the commission or its staff, they should be reported to the authorities immediately. For inquiries regarding the application process, parties may contact the AI Development Division staff, with contact numbers and details provided in the original notice.