The 41st National Conference of Computer Applications, organized by the China Computer Federation (CCF), commenced in Optics Valley on Aug 8. The event attracted over 1,000 representatives from universities, research institutes, and enterprises nationwide, along with more than 3,000 participants in the CCF China Computer Application Technology Competition.

The 41st CCF National Conference of Computer Applications kicks off in OVC. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

This conference serves as a pivotal bridge linking academic research, technological innovation, and industrial application within China's computing sector. This year, the focus is on exploring new pathways, models, and ecosystems to deeply integrate artificial intelligence (AI) with the real economy.

Academician Zhang Yanning from the Chinese Academy of Sciences stated at the opening ceremony that the ultimate goal of AI development is to create "silicon-based intelligent life". She highlighted key technological breakthroughs in autonomous intelligent unmanned systems, focusing on dynamic perception computing, multi-modal integration, and autonomous decision-making capabilities in complex environments.

Academician Zhang Yanning delivers a keynote speech. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

The four-day conference features nine specialized forums on cross-sector empowerment by AI and computer technology. Discussions will cover areas like marine, finance, energy, agriculture, education, and computational infrastructure.

The event also includes workshops on embodied intelligence, paper presentations and reviews, the CCF China Computer Application Technology Competition, and talent policy briefings and recruitment seminars. 

OVC, the host location, is embracing AI to transform into a hub of universal intelligent agents, driving the deep integration of "Optics + AI" and striving to achieve an industrial scale worth 100 billion yuan ($14.82 billion).