The opening ceremony of the 2026 Digital China Innovation Contest. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2026 Digital China Innovation Contest (DCIC 2026), a flagship event under the Digital China Summit, was held on Jan 24 in Fuzhou, Fujian province.

The contest, guided by the theme "Unlocking the Value of Data Elements, Empowering with Digital Technology", features 14 competition tracks with a total prize pool of 10 million yuan ($1.44 million).

The DCIC 2026 focuses on four strategic areas: strengthening digital infrastructure, expanding application scenarios, cultivating ecosystems, and developing talent.

For example, within the infrastructure area, five tracks aim to solidify the foundation for digital development, including the data application track, which focuses on key industries and public data utilization, and the artificial intelligence track, which explores AI-driven innovations across technology, industry, and governance.

Building on past successes, the achievements of the DCIC 2025 were presented at the Fuzhou Strait International Conference and Exhibition Center. Exhibits included physical models such as drone logistics equipment and intelligent inspection systems, vividly demonstrating the potential of low-altitude digital technologies in logistics and inspection scenarios.

Since its inception, the contest has attracted over 160,000 participants and produced demonstrable digital technology innovations, becoming an important platform for public engagement in China's digital transformation.

The DCIC 2026 continues to roll out competitions, drawing global innovators and advancing digital technologies from localized applications toward systemic, cross-sector empowerment.