On March 20, the Youth Entrepreneurs Committee of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce organized the first Ideation Forum of 2026, bringing together young entrepreneurs to deeply study and implement the spirit of the National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference sessions. The meeting was chaired by the Secretary-General of the Committee. Attendees included Shen Peng, founder and CEO of Waterdrop Inc., along with other committee members such as Zhang Junting, President of Tianjin Rockcheck Tewoo Investment Holding Group, Wang Shuhua, Chairman of Jinan Steel Group, and Liu Xibi, Chairman of Dalian Huaze Technology.
This year’s government work report mentioned artificial intelligence seven times and, for the first time, proposed "creating a new form of intelligent economy." As a technology and innovation entrepreneur in China, Shen Peng expressed great encouragement and excitement. He stated, "Waterdrop Inc.’s strategic focus this year is to complete the transition from 'making good use of AI tools' to becoming an 'AI-native company.' In the future, Waterdrop will continue to deepen its efforts in empowering the health insurance industry with technology, exporting more technological achievements and digital capabilities to the insurance and healthcare sectors, and collaborating with industry partners to establish new paradigms for an intelligent economy."
As a serial entrepreneur, Shen Peng previously participated in founding Meituan’s food delivery service and established Waterdrop Inc. in 2016. With a mission to "use internet technology to help the general public access insurance and medical care, safeguarding hundreds of millions of families," the company pioneered a new model in China combining "critical illness fundraising + insurance protection," thereby enhancing the industry’s digitalization level. On the health services front, Waterdrop actively explores and strengthens cooperation with hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and other medical service partners, aiming to provide users with broader health and medical services.
Driven by Shen Peng, Waterdrop has consistently adhered to the principle that "technological innovation is the primary driver of development," committing to integrating "AI + insurance protection + healthcare." The company invests 300 million yuan annually in technology R&D and has accumulated over 100 AI-related technology patents. It continues to explore applications of big data and AI across the industrial value chain. Through self-developed technologies like the Waterdrop Shou large model, and the systematic implementation of innovations such as KEYI.AI (China’s first AI underwriting expert), Bao Xiaohui (AI customer service), and AI intelligent quality inspection, Waterdrop has significantly improved service efficiency and user experience.
Recently, Waterdrop introduced the Shou AI Assistant—ClawSquare, which enables AI agents to independently conduct multi-round interactions and achieve task completion, establishing a new paradigm for agent collaborative work.
Owing to his contributions in critical illness assistance, insurance technology, and health services, Shen Peng has gained widespread recognition. He has received honors including Beijing’s Advanced Individual in Employment and Entrepreneurship, Beijing Role Model · Cooperation Pioneer, Advanced Individual in Poverty Alleviation, Capital Ethnic Unity and Progress Advanced Individual, Outstanding Young Entrepreneur in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, World Economic Forum’s "Young Global Leader," Forbes’ "30 Under 30 Asia," and Fortune’s "40 Under 40 China." He also holds positions such as member of the Youth Entrepreneurs Committee of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, member of the 13th National Youth Federation, Executive President of the Beijing Chaoyang High-Tech Enterprise Association, and Standing Committee Member of the Beijing Federation of Industry and Commerce.