China’s artificial intelligence sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with government initiatives and venture capital fueling exponential innovation across robotics, healthcare AI, and quantum computing. February 2026 represents a critical convergence point for entrepreneurs, investors, and technologists with 25+ international AI conferences scheduled across Macau, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and Nanjing.
For startups targeting Asia’s $100 billion+ AI market, these conferences offer unmatched opportunities to:
- Network with institutional investors actively deploying capital into early-stage AI ventures
- Scout top engineering talent from leading universities and tech companies
- Accelerate market entry through regulatory clarity and partnership building
- Validate product-market fit against Chinese enterprise and government standards
This guide maps every major AI conference happening in China in February 2026, categorized by industry vertical, and explains why founders shouldn’t miss this opportunity.
Why China’s AI Conference Circuit Matters for Startups (2026)
The China AI Market Context
According to recent venture capital data, AI startups in China raised over $5 billion in 2025 alone significantly outpacing North America on a per-capita basis. This funding acceleration is driven by:
- Government Support: China’s “New Generation AI Development Plan” prioritizes robotics, autonomous systems, and quantum computing through direct subsidies and tax incentives.
- Enterprise Adoption: Chinese corporations are rapidly integrating AI into financial services, healthcare diagnostics, manufacturing, and logistics—creating a proven market for early-stage solutions.
- Talent Density: China produces more AI researchers and engineers annually than any other region, making conferences ideal talent acquisition hubs.
- IP-Friendly Ecosystem: Recent regulatory reforms make it easier for startups to protect intellectual property and license technology to state-owned enterprises.
Key Insight for Founders: Attending China AI conferences in February allows startups to conduct market research, validate demand, and secure funding meetings simultaneously—compressing 6 months of business development into 2-3 weeks.
The Complete February 2026 China AI Conference Calendar
Macau: AI Conference Epicenter (20+ Events)
Macau dominates China’s AI conference calendar in February 2026, hosting over half of all major events. This concentration reflects Macau’s status as a business hub with direct China access and favorable international conference regulations.
| Date | Conference Name | Focus Area | Startup Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09 Feb | International Conference on Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Automation (ICRAIA) | Robotics, automation | Path planning, hardware-software integration |
| 09 Feb | International Conference on AI and Data Science for Biomarker Discovery (ICAIDSBD) | Healthcare AI, biomarkers | Diagnostic AI, clinical decision support |
| 12 Feb | International Conference on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Applications (ICMLAIA) | Applied ML, real-world AI | Model deployment, production systems |
| 13 Feb | International Conference on AI Robotics Software for Human-Robot Interaction (ICARSHRI) | Human-robot interaction | Service robots, collaborative automation |
| 14 Feb | International Conference on Robotics Software Design using AI Techniques (ICRSDT) | Robotics software design | Autonomous systems architecture |
| 17 Feb | International Conference on Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (ICQCAI) | Quantum-AI hybrid systems | Next-gen cryptography, optimization |
| 19 Feb | International Conference on Finance and Economics with Artificial Intelligence (ICFEAI) | AI in fintech, trading | Algorithmic trading, risk assessment |
| 19 Feb | International Conference on Autonomous Systems driven by Artificial Intelligence (ICASDAI) | Autonomous vehicles, drones | Self-driving tech, delivery automation |
| 19 Feb | International Conference on Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence (ICCCAI) | Cloud-AI integration, infrastructure | SaaS AI platforms, multi-tenant systems |
| 20 Feb | International Conference on Big Data Analytics powered by Artificial Intelligence (ICBDAAI) | Big data, predictive analytics | Data monetization, business intelligence |
| 21 Feb | International Conference on AI and Big Data for Bioinformatics Applications (ICABDBA) | Biotech AI, genomics | Precision medicine, drug discovery AI |
| 23 Feb | International Conference on Advances in Artificial Intelligence Research (IC2AIR) | Core AI research, emerging methods | Foundational models, novel architectures |
| 24 Feb | International Conference on Creative Arts and Media using Artificial Intelligence (ICCAMAI) | Generative media, content creation | AI video generation, creative tools |
| 24 Feb | International Conference on Natural Language Processing with Artificial Intelligence (ICNLP-AI) | NLP, language models | Chatbots, multilingual AI, translation |
| 25 Feb | International Conference on Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence (ICCVAI) | Computer vision, perception | Image recognition, autonomous inspection |
| 25 Feb | International Conference on Public Health and Policy with Artificial Intelligence (ICPHPAI) | AI in public health | Epidemic modeling, health policy AI |
| 26 Feb | International Conference on Healthcare and Artificial Intelligence (ICHAI) | Clinical AI, medical imaging | Diagnostics, treatment optimization |
Macau Strategy: Consider booking a 1-week hub visit (Feb 19–26) to hit the densest cluster of industry-leading conferences without geographic friction.
Beijing: Robotics & Advanced AI (3 Events)
Beijing’s February AI events emphasize robotics, path planning, and frontier technology applications suited to deep-tech startups.
| Date | Conference | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 11 Feb | International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (ICAIML) | General AI/ML research |
| 13 Feb | International Conference on AI-driven Robotics Path Planning (ICARPP) | Autonomous path planning, navigation |
| 14 Feb | International Conference on Cryptocurrency, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (ICCAIML) | Blockchain-AI convergence |
Beijing Strategy: Ideal for robotics, autonomous systems, and Web3-AI fusion startups. Combine with potential visits to Beijing’s venture capital firms (Sequoia, Lightspeed, Matrix) headquartered nearby.
Chengdu: Biomedical & Governance AI (2 Events)
Chengdu is emerging as a secondary AI hub with strength in healthcare and regulatory frameworks.
| Date | Conference | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Feb | International Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Artificial Intelligence (ICBEAI) | Medical device AI, clinical engineering |
| 19 Feb | International Conference on Legal and Regulatory Frameworks in Artificial Intelligence (ICLRFAI) | AI regulation, compliance, governance |
Chengdu Strategy: Essential for medtech founders navigating China’s medical device approval process (NMPA). The regulatory conference directly addresses startup compliance challenges.
Guangzhou: ML, Security & Education AI (9 Events) — Early February Cluster
Guangzhou hosts a concentrated bootcamp of technical AI events on February 2nd, covering machine learning, cybersecurity, and AI education systems.
| Date | Conference | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 02 Feb | International Conference on Artificial Intelligence Algorithms for Education (ICAIAE) | EdTech AI, learning systems |
| 02 Feb | International Conference on Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence (ICCSAI) | AI-driven security, threat detection |
| 02 Feb | International Conference on Machine Learning and Cybernetics (ICMLC) | Advanced ML theory |
| 02 Feb | International Conference on Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition (ICMLPR) | Pattern recognition, classification |
| 02 Feb | International Conference on Computational Intelligence and Software Engineering (ICCISE) | Computational methods, engineering |
| 02 Feb | International Conference on Computing and Information Technology (ICCIT) | IT infrastructure, systems |
| 02 Feb | International Conference on Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Information Technology (ICCSCIT) | Integrated security-CS approach |
| 02 Feb | International Conference on Computer Science, Programming and Security (ICCSPS) | Secure coding, software safety |
| 02 Feb | International Conference on Bioethics (ICB) | AI ethics in life sciences |
Guangzhou Strategy: Visit Feb 1–2 for intensive multi-track learning on security and ML infrastructure—then pivot to Macau for enterprise-focused events.
Tianjin: Security Systems & AI (1 Event)
| Date | Conference | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Feb | International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Security Systems (ICAISS) | Surveillance, risk analytics, enterprise security |
Tianjin Strategy: Gov-tech and enterprise security startups should prioritize; strong buyer interest from state-owned enterprises.
Nanjing: Quantum Computing & AI Frontier (1 Event)
| Date | Conference | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 17 Feb | International Conference on Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (ICQCAI) | Quantum-AI integration, quantum algorithms |
Nanjing Strategy: Only event specifically bridging quantum and classical AI. Essential for founders in quantum optimization, cryptography, or molecular simulation.
How to Maximize ROI: Startup Guide to Conference Attendance
Phase 1: Pre-Conference (3 Weeks Prior)
1. Identify 5–8 Target Conferences
- Map your AI vertical (robotics, healthcare, fintech, security, quantum) to specific events
- Prioritize by:
- Investor attendance patterns
- Speaking opportunities
- Booth exhibitor diversity
- Historical attendance (look for post-conference reports)
2. Secure Investor Meetings
- Conferences publish attendee lists; use this to identify VCs, CVCs, and angels
- Request warm introductions through mutual connections (LinkedIn, accelerators)
- Book 20–30 minute 1:1 meetings in advance (80% of funding happens off-stage at conferences)
3. Craft Your Pitch Narrative for China Market
- Address regulatory readiness (NMPA for medtech, cybersecurity certifications for security AI)
- Quantify TAM (total addressable market) in China specifically
- Highlight competitive advantages vs. domestic players
- Prepare for questions about IP protection and government relationships
Phase 2: During Conference (Active Networking)
1. Attend Strategic Sessions Only
- Skip generic “AI Overview” panels
- Target sessions with investors on stage or in audience
- Prioritize 20-minute talks over keynotes (better Q&A access)
2. Poster Sessions & Exhibitions
- Walk the booth floor 30 minutes into each session
- Identify 10–15 companies you’d partner with or compete against
- Collect contact info and schedule follow-ups within 24 hours
3. Evening Events & Dinners
- Investor receptions are where real deals form
- Bring business cards (mandatory in China)
- Master 30-second pitch in Mandarin (even basic phrasing shows respect)
Phase 3: Post-Conference (1 Week After)
1. Follow-Up Email Campaign
- Within 48 hours, send personalized emails to every investor you met
- Attach: 1-page executive summary, financial model, term sheet template
- Reference specific conversation points (“You mentioned interest in path-planning robotics…”)
2. Convert Meetings into Due Diligence
- Expect 3-4 week follow-up timeline for serious investors
- Prepare Q&As on: unit economics, customer acquisition cost (CAC), China-specific regulatory approvals
3. Analyze Competitive Intelligence
- Document competitors you discovered at booths
- Note investor questions that challenge your pitch
- Refine messaging for next investor outreach
Key AI Themes in February 2026: Startup Opportunities
1. Robotics & Autonomous Systems (Emerging Giants)
What’s Hot:
- Industrial robot path planning and collision avoidance
- Collaborative robots (cobots) for small manufacturing
- Autonomous delivery (last-mile logistics)
- Human-robot interaction (service robots)
Why It Matters for Startups: China’s manufacturing sector is aging; robotics companies are growing 25%+ YoY. Government subsidies make hardware+AI adoption cheaper for Chinese manufacturers than Western alternatives.
Conference Play: ICRAIA (Feb 9), ICARPP (Feb 13), ICRSDT (Feb 14), ICARSHRI (Feb 13)
Recommended Investor Target: Robotics VCs like Maker+, SenseTime, Horizon Robotics
2. Healthcare & Biomedical AI (Funded & Regulated)
What’s Hot:
- AI diagnostic imaging (radiology, pathology automation)
- Biomarker discovery for precision medicine
- Clinical decision support systems
- Drug discovery acceleration
- Public health epidemic modeling
Why It Matters for Startups: China’s healthcare sector faces doctor shortages and rising diagnostic error rates. Healthcare AI companies that navigate NMPA approval are seeing 2–3 year deployment timelines vs. 5+ years in the West.
Conference Play: ICBEAI (Feb 12), ICAIDSBD (Feb 9), ICHAI (Feb 26), ICPHPAI (Feb 25), ICABDBA (Feb 21)
Regulatory Path: NMPA approval takes 12–18 months; start early, attend ICLRFAI (Feb 19) for regulatory clarity
Recommended Investor Target: Ping An Healthcare, Alibaba Health, Tencent Genomics, Sequoia China Healthcare
3. Quantum & Frontier Computing (2026 Hype Wave)
What’s Hot:
- Quantum machine learning algorithms
- Quantum-classical hybrid systems
- Optimization for finance & logistics
- Drug discovery via quantum simulation
Why It Matters for Startups: China has dedicated $10B+ to quantum research. ICQCAI (Nanjing, Feb 17) is the only major conference bridging quantum and applied AI—attend if you’re in this space.
Conference Play: ICQCAI (Feb 17, Nanjing)
Investor Reality Check: Quantum startups need 5+ years runway; expect VC interest from Alibaba Quantum Lab, Huawei Quantum, deep-pocketed government agencies
4. Finance, Fintech & Autonomous Trading (High-Growth)
What’s Hot:
- Algorithmic trading with machine learning
- AI-driven risk assessment
- Fraud detection systems
- Crypto-AI integration (blockchain + ML)
Why It Matters for Startups: Chinese fintech regulations are clearer than 2 years ago. Compliance frameworks are solidifying, making it easier for startups to operate.
Conference Play: ICFEAI (Feb 19), ICCAIML (Feb 14)
Regulatory Note: Stay within CCP fintech guidelines; licensing is mandatory for trading AI
Recommended Investor Target: Ant Group fintech arm, Tencent Finance, Xiaomi Finance, venture arms of major banks
5. Big Data, Analytics & Business Intelligence (Bread & Butter)
What’s Hot:
- Enterprise data lakes powered by AI
- Predictive analytics for manufacturing
- Customer segmentation & personalization
- Real-time fraud detection
Why It Matters for Startups: B2B SaaS data analytics is a high-margin, repeatable business model in China. These conferences attract enterprise decision-makers (CTOs, CDOs).
Conference Play: ICBDAAI (Feb 20), ICMLAIA (Feb 12)
Recommended Investor Target: Alibaba Ventures, Tencent Cloud, Baidu Ventures
6. Cybersecurity & AI Defense Systems (Gov Demand)
What’s Hot:
- AI-powered threat detection
- Zero-trust security architectures
- Offensive security (red-team AI)
- Supply-chain risk modeling
Why It Matters for Startups: Chinese government mandates stronger cybersecurity; state-owned enterprises have billions in annual IT security budgets.
Conference Play: ICCSAI (Feb 2, Guangzhou), ICAISS (Feb 12, Tianjin)
Government Advantage: If your company has Chinese partners or subsidiary, contracts to SOEs become viable (2–3 year sales cycles, but stable revenue)
Recommended Investor Target: Qihoo 360, Dbappsecurity, Tencent Security
7. Natural Language Processing & Generative AI (ChatGPT Wave)
What’s Hot:
- Multilingual language models (Chinese-English-etc.)
- Domain-specific LLMs (finance, legal, medical)
- Conversational AI for customer service
- Code generation tools
Why It Matters for Startups: Generative AI is exploding in China; regulatory frameworks are tightening. Early-stage founders should understand content moderation rules (CCP-aligned content is mandatory).
Conference Play: ICNLP-AI (Feb 24, 25), ICCAMAI (Feb 24)
Recommended Investor Target: Alibaba Damo Academy, Tencent AI Lab, NetEase, Bytedance (Douyin AI)
Strategic Attendance Itinerary: 7-Day China AI Conference Tour
Option A: Macau-Centric (Best for Startups with Limited Time)
| Day | Date | City | Events / Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feb 8 (Sat) | Macau | Arrive, explore venue, investor dinner networking |
| 2 | Feb 9 (Sun) | Macau | ICRAIA (Robotics), ICAIDSBD (Healthcare AI) |
| 3 | Feb 12 (Wed) | Macau | ICMLAIA (Applied ML) |
| 4 | Feb 13–14 | Macau | ICARSHRI, ICRSDT (Robotics track) |
| 5 | Feb 19 (Wed) | Macau | ICFEAI (Finance AI), ICASDAI (Autonomous Systems) |
| 6 | Feb 20–21 | Macau | ICBDAAI (Big Data), ICABDBA (Bioinformatics) |
| 7 | Feb 24–26 | Macau | ICNLP-AI, ICCVAI, ICHAI, IC2AIR (AI research deep-dive) |
Cost Estimate: $3,500–5,000 USD (flights, hotels 7 nights, meals, conference passes)
Option B: Multi-City Tour (Best for Deep Market Research)
| Day | Date | City | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Feb 1–2 | Guangzhou | 9 ML/Security conferences (bootcamp) + tour Alibaba/Tencent regional offices |
| 3–4 | Feb 9–14 | Macau | Robotics & healthcare AI track (5 events) |
| 5 | Feb 17 | Nanjing | ICQCAI (Quantum AI) + visit local AI startups |
| 6 | Feb 19 | Chengdu | ICLRFAI (regulatory) + tour biomedical hub |
| 7–8 | Feb 24–26 | Macau | NLP, Computer Vision, Healthcare AI finale |
Cost Estimate: $6,000–8,000 USD (flights between cities, hotels, meals)
ROI Advantage: Multi-city approach gives you unparalleled market breadth; VC firms will notice your commitment.
Pre-Conference Preparation Checklist
- Register Early: Most events open registration 6–8 weeks prior; early-bird discounts 30–40%
- Prepare Pitch Deck: 12-slide English version + 10-slide Mandarin summary
- Research Attendees: Download attendee lists (if available) and flag 30 target investors
- Book Meetings: Schedule 1:1s with VCs using conference scheduling tools (wait for their announcements)
- Arrange Logistics: Book flights/hotels now; February is peak travel season
- Get Business Cards: English on one side, Mandarin on the other (non-negotiable in China)
- Prepare Elevator Pitches: 30-second, 2-minute, and 5-minute versions in English + broken Mandarin
- IP/Legal Review: Ensure confidentiality agreements are in place before sharing tech details
- Study Regulatory Landscape: Download NMPA, cybersecurity, and fintech compliance docs relevant to your vertical
- Identify Competitive Landscape: Research 10–15 Chinese competitors; note differentiation
- Set KPIs: Define what “success” means (investor meetings, partnerships, talent hires)
Common Pitfalls: What NOT to Do
- Don’t skip regulatory reality: China AI startups face unique compliance challenges (content moderation, data security, foreign ownership caps). Build this into pitch and business model.
- Don’t ignore the Mandarin barrier: Even if you speak English in meetings, hiring a Mandarin-speaking co-founder or advisor will dramatically improve execution speed.
- Don’t pitch a “China strategy” without China expertise: VCs will ask hard questions on regulatory pathways. Have answers.
- Don’t avoid state-owned enterprise (SOE) partnerships: 60%+ of AI revenue in China comes from SOE deals. Embrace this, don’t resist.
- Don’t expect 3-month sales cycles: Enterprise deals in China are 12–24 months. Budget accordingly.
- Don’t skip the evening networking events: 70% of funding deals at conferences happen off-stage.
For users who want to follow more regional updates, Best Startup Asia continues to track technology developments across the continent.
