Artificial intelligence tokens, often described as the fuel powering AI development, have become a key resource that regions are competing to secure. On September 10, the Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province announced the official release of the Sichuan Province AI Token Voucher Implementation Rules (Trial), which has recently been issued to establish systematic guidelines covering service agencies, user qualifications, usage procedures, and performance evaluations. The rules are designed to standardize the use of token vouchers and support the healthy growth of the province's artificial intelligence industry.

One of the standout features of the new rules is the streamlined business process. Previously, enterprises were required to submit a separate application each time they used a token voucher, which dampened their enthusiasm for utilizing the available credits. According to a representative from the provincial science and technology department, the Implementation Rules clarify that a group of domestic large-model enterprises or their affiliated entities will be selected annually as official token voucher service agencies. Each selected agency will be allocated a funding pool ranging from 5 million to 20 million yuan. As a result, businesses can directly receive price discounts when purchasing token services without needing to file an application beforehand, making the entire process a "free access, immediate benefit" system. The department will soon begin the process of recruiting participating service agencies.

The Implementation Rules also impose three strict eligibility criteria for service agencies. First, the relevant large model must have completed the national filing for generative AI services. Second, the agency must offer compliant token invocation services for large models. Third, the average monthly token call volume from units within Sichuan Province must reach no less than one trillion over the most recent three months. These thresholds are intended to both certify the professional capabilities of the agencies and ensure a strong alignment with the practical needs of local enterprises.

Improving the efficiency of token voucher usage is another key priority of the new policy. On one hand, the rules introduce tiered support and targeted subsidies. For individual users, the voucher usage limit is capped at 20 percent of the actual purchase amount, while for AI-focused one-person companies (OPCs), the support ratio can be expanded to 40 percent. Service agencies are also encouraged to refine their own internal standards further to prevent token abuse and waste. On the other hand, the rules strengthen performance-based oversight and supervision. The provincial authorities will regularly conduct comprehensive evaluations of each agency's fund utilization and the effectiveness of its token services. Agencies that achieve a rating of "qualified" or above will be eligible to participate in the next annual selection, whereas those rated "unqualified" will be barred from reapplying for a period of two years.

This shift marks a significant transition for Sichuan from a focus on "heavy distribution" to one of "heavy results," according to Wang Nan, a researcher at the Sichuan Provincial Institute of Science and Technology Development Strategy. The introduction of the Implementation Rules not only simplifies procedures and boosts usage efficiency for companies but also introduces dynamic assessments that pressure service agencies to improve service quality, ultimately driving the advancement of the province's artificial intelligence industry.