China Records 28% Surge in New Generative AI Enterprises in First Half

China recorded significant growth in enterprise creation across cutting-edge technology sectors during the first half of the year, according to data released by the State Administration for Market Regulation. Newly registered firms in generative artificial intelligence rose 28.0% year-on-year to 55,000, while the humanoid robotics sector added 116,000 enterprises, up 9.5%. Across government-designated emerging and future industries, 561,000 new businesses were established, reflecting sustained domestic investment in advanced manufacturing, high-tech services, and next-generation technologies.

The surge in enterprise registrations within artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced hardware demonstrates where entrepreneurial capital and policy support are concentrating in China. As Beijing promotes 'new quality productive forces' to pivot away from traditional growth drivers like real estate, registration figures provide a tangible indicator of commercial activity in strategic frontier sectors.

China experienced a marked increase in enterprise registrations across cutting-edge technology and high-end manufacturing sectors in the first half of the year, according to figures released by the State Administration for Market Regulation and reported by People's Daily. A total of 561,000 enterprises were newly established nationwide across China's designated 'eight emerging industries' and 'nine future industries.' Generative artificial intelligence represented one of the fastest-growing segments, with 55,000 new enterprises registered during the six-month period, marking a 28.0% increase compared to the same period last year. The humanoid robotics sector also expanded its footprint, adding 116,000 new enterprises, a 9.5% year-on-year increase. The broader service sector saw 3.957 million newly registered businesses, matching the level from the prior-year period. Growth was particularly pronounced in high-tech and specialized service categories. Businesses registered in information transmission and software technology services reached 322,000, rising 3.3% year-on-year. Scientific and technological achievement transformation services—focused on commercializing research breakthroughs—added 459,000 new firms, up 6.8%. Inspection and testing services saw a 43.9% jump, with 16,000 new enterprises registered. In manufacturing, enterprise formation pointed toward technological upgrading and high-end hardware production. High-end equipment manufacturing saw 28,000 new registrations, up 2.5% year-on-year, driven by a 6.4% rise in intelligent equipment manufacturing and a 4.4% increase in urban rail transit equipment businesses. The overall high-tech manufacturing sector reached a total of 330,000 active enterprises by the end of June, after adding 15,000 newly registered firms during the first half. Within this category, specific advanced industries recorded steep growth: newly registered enterprises in spacecraft and launch vehicle manufacturing surged 185.7% year-on-year, optical fiber and cable manufacturing grew 129.4%, and integrated circuit manufacturing rose 24.2%. The official figures illustrate a continuing shift in domestic enterprise creation toward advanced hardware, deep technology, and specialized technical services, aligning with national economic strategies aimed at fostering high-value industrial ecosystems.