Against the backdrop of rapid mainstream adoption of artificial intelligence, the 2nd Digiloong Cup Global AI Innovation Competition (Digiloong GAIC), initiated by Century Huatong, parent company of Century Games, officially launched on April 2, 2026.
This year’s competition is guided by leading institutions, including the Games Publishing Committee of CADPA, Pudong New Area Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Shanghai Cultural and Creative Industry Promotion Association, Shanghai Online Game Association, and Macau-Qinjin Cultural and Technology Industry Association. It is supported by major platforms and media organizations such as ChinaJoy, CLS, TideNews, 36Kr, ModelScope and GAMEKEZHAN. Together, these partners aim to build a full-chain empowerment system focused on AI innovation and industrial application, accelerating the transformation of artificial intelligence into real-world productivity.
The inaugural Digiloong GAIC, held in 2025, delivered strong results. More than 150 high-quality teams from around the world participated, submitting 120 valid projects. Following a rigorous evaluation process, 11 teams received awards. The competition helped identify emerging entrepreneurial talent working in vertical AI applications while advancing the commercialization of AI technologies. Notably, Haiyi Interactive Entertainment secured strategic investment from Century Huatong, and the Gamercury team received joint investment from Shanghai Angel Club, demonstrating the competition’s role in driving real-world industrial outcomes.
This year’s competition follows a structured timeline. Submissions will be accepted from April 2 to May 31, with global AI teams and developers invited to participate. Preliminary evaluations will take place from June 1 to June 15, followed by a second-round review from June 16 to June 30 to determine finalists. Shortlisted teams will participate in an offline review in mid-to-late July. Winners will be announced at ChinaJoy 2026 on July 31.
In terms of track design, the competition has expanded to align with key industry trends. Building on its original foundation, the event now features three main tracks: AI Games, AI Applications and AI Agents, covering the core application areas of artificial intelligence.
Regional engagement is a key highlight of this year’s competition. The organizers will host offline activities in Hangzhou, Macau and Shanghai, creating a regional innovation network to support AI development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Yangtze River Delta and beyond. The competition will also continue its online live salon series, focusing on “AI+” themes and project showcases for participating teams.
Compared with the inaugural event, the 2nd Digiloong GAIC places greater emphasis on post-competition incubation and long-term project support. In addition to cash awards, the competition offers a diversified incentive system, providing teams with exposure, resources, capital and technical support. A key feature this year is the “one registration, two competitions participation” model. The competition is closely linked with the fourth “Cultural and Creative Shanghai” Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, allowing shortlisted teams to also compete in the “Intelligent Future +” track. This integration provides expanded visibility, policy support and access to industry resources, creating broader commercialization opportunities.
The competition also strengthens industry and investment matchmaking. Participating teams will have opportunities to engage directly with senior executives for strategic guidance and project development insights. Century Huatong’s investment division will offer dedicated support for high-potential projects, working alongside venture capital partners to facilitate funding opportunities. In addition, selected projects will be included in the competition’s long-term resource pool, enabling continued access to industry connections and development support.
Since its inception, Digiloong GAIC has aimed to create a platform that bridges AI innovation and industrial application. The launch of the second competition reflects Century Huatong’s continued investment in the AI sector and its commitment to advancing inclusive technological development. Through the competition, the company seeks to connect global AI talent, integrate cross-industry resources, and accelerate the translation of research into practical applications.
As China continues to lead in AI application innovation and global markets present growing opportunities, the 2nd Digiloong GAIC aims to further connect international resources, promote the deployment of AI technologies across key sectors, and contribute to the development of the digital economy.
About Century Huatong
Century Huatong is a China-based digital technology company engaged in internet gaming, artificial intelligence cloud data, and advanced manufacturing. Founded in 2005 and publicly listed in Shenzhen, the company has evolved from its origins in automotive parts into a diversified global technology enterprise with operations spanning entertainment, data infrastructure, and innovation-driven industries. Through subsidiaries such as Century Games, Century Huatong develops and publishes globally recognized mobile and online games.
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