The 2026 WSTDF in Chongqing gathers 800 experts to explore how technology will transform future industries until October 23.
The 2026 World Science and Technology Development Forum (WSTDF) opened in Chongqing on October 21, bringing together around 800 participants, including experts and scholars, according to a report from iChongqing. The forum is exploring how automotive technology, robotics, and other advances could shape future industries.
This is the first time the forum has been held in Chongqing since its launch in 2019. The program runs through October 23 and features 12 parallel forums covering intelligent sensing, AI-powered simulation, embodied intelligence, smart manufacturing, green energy, and new-energy vehicles, among other fields.
Wang Guangqian, President of the China Association for Science and Technology, called for technological breakthroughs, closer integration of technological and industrial innovation, greener development, and stronger technology governance. He emphasized that future industries connect science and technology with the economy.
Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, described engineering as a bridge between scientific discovery and industrial practice. He stressed that achieving the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals requires stronger international scientific cooperation and participation by all countries and communities.
Zhu Huarong, Chairman of China Changan Automobile Group, said cars are evolving from transportation tools into 'self-evolving intelligent car robots.' He noted that the automotive industry is increasingly integrating AI, chips, communications, and big data, with applications extending into energy and urban governance.
Zhu pointed to Chongqing as an example. In the city, integrating vehicle, road, and cloud data supports traffic management. Meanwhile, vehicle-to-grid interaction and integrated energy systems could turn vehicles into mobile nodes in green energy networks.
