The Asian giant accelerates its “AI Plus” strategy with direct incentives covering up to 80% of computing costs for small and medium-sized enterprises, while also seeking to utilize underused data centers and strengthen its high-quality economic development.
China has decided to give a new boost to artificial intelligence (AI) among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have traditionally lagged in access to high-performance computing resources. To achieve this, various local governments are deploying a “computing vouchers” system that allows companies to exchange credits and access computing capacity at prices well below market rates.
Cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Henan, Shandong, Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Ningbo have already launched these programs. Only Shanghai has allocated around 600 million yuan (84 million dollars) in vouchers that cover up to 80% of AI rental fees, in addition to another 100 million yuan (14 million dollars) in support for data and training of large language models (LLMs).
The dual goal is to ease R&D costs for SMEs and remedy underutilized data centers, many operating at only 20–30% capacity due to the “Data from the East, Computing from the West” policy, which moved facilities to inland regions where energy is cheaper.
Large-Scale Subsidies: From Local Pilots to a National Network
The voucher plan is part of the “Opinions on Implementing High-Quality Development of Data Labeling Industry”, presented in December 2024. Since then, different provinces have been expanding pilot programs:
- Chengdu expanded its initiative with 100 million yuan allocated to research institutions.
- Shandong committed 30 million yuan initially, with plans to add 1 billion (140 million dollars) more.
- Beijing has already opened applications, reflecting a desire to accelerate administrative processing.
The aim is to establish a unified high-power computing market that allows companies and academic centers to redistribute workloads nationwide, maximizing infrastructure use and justifying large capital investments.
“AI Plus” Framework: AI as a Driver of Consumption and Competitiveness
Beyond subsidies, the State Council recently issued guidelines to deeply implement the “AI Plus” initiative, which seeks to integrate artificial intelligence into strategic sectors such as manufacturing, e-commerce, healthcare, cultural services, and elder care.
“We are entering an era where AI not only optimizes productivity but also drives consumption and enhances citizens’ quality of life,”
stated Zhang Kailin, Deputy Director of Innovation and High-Tech Development at the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
These computer voucher subsidies are part of this strategy, which also includes:
- Public investment in major AI projects through special bonds and central budgets.
- Development of common technological platforms in key industrial sectors.
- Promotion of consumer AI (smart devices, wearables, connected homes) to massify access to useful technologies.
SMEs: From Technological Exclusion to Subsidized Access
Until now, most Chinese SMEs found it prohibitive to train models or even test advanced AI prototypes. Market prices, worsened by the scarcity of next-generation GPUs and international restrictions, kept them out of the game.
With the new vouchers, an SME can cover up to eighty percent of its rental computing costs. This translates into:
- Cheaper training cycles, speeding up prototypes and lowering entry barriers.
- Greater access to inference resources for integrating AI in commercial, logistics, or digital service applications.
- Monetizing idle capacity in state-owned data centers, creating a virtuous cycle of investment and utilization.
The ongoing challenge remains bureaucratic hurdles. Some analysts warn that effectiveness will depend on administrative agility and regional coordination to prevent overlaps, delays, or unequal access.
A Global-Implication Drive
The policy also responds to an international backdrop marked by the semiconductor tech war and U.S. restrictions on advanced chip exports. While companies like SK Hynix, Samsung, and TSMC face regulatory pressures, China seeks alternatives to strengthen its technological autonomy and accelerate domestic AI adoption.
According to Zhou Mi, researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, the current computing capacity deficit relative to demand is significant. Vouchers help bridge this gap as the local industry advances in producing its own hardware.
Meanwhile, rumors circulate regarding the installation of 39 new data centers with 115,000 Nvidia Hopper GPUs without authorization, though these reports remain unconfirmed. If true, they would demonstrate both the urgency to meet demand and the legal complexity of current technological flows.
AI as a Catalyst for Consumer Markets and New Business Models
The “AI Plus” plan aims not only at industry but also at the end consumer. Officials like Huo Fupeng from the NDRC state that AI will help optimize consumption patterns by creating new scenarios in:
- Culture and entertainment.
- Personalized e-commerce.
- Elderly and children care.
- Experiential consumption and smart services.
The proliferation of connected devices, along with the rise of low-altitude aviation, additive manufacturing, and brain-computer interfaces, illustrates areas where AI integration can fuel technological innovation and new consumption patterns.
Outlook
China is creating an ecosystem where public subsidies, national infrastructure, and corporate adoption converge. Its success will depend on whether SMEs can transform this access into competitive products, and whether state data centers can increase utilization rates.
The country ultimately aims for AI to be a transversal economic driver, capable of boosting industrial competitiveness, opening new markets, and positioning China as a global leader in AI governance and adoption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the “computing vouchers” offered by China?
They are government-subsidized credits enabling SMEs and research centers to rent data center capacity at reduced prices, covering up to 80% of costs.
2. Which cities are already implementing this program?
Pioneers include Beijing, Shanghai, Henan, Shandong, Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Ningbo. Shanghai leads with 600 million yuan in vouchers and an additional 100 million yuan for data and training.
3. What are the main objectives of the “AI Plus” plan?
It aims to integrate AI across multiple sectors — from manufacturing to consumption — optimize resources through common platforms, and enhance both industrial competitiveness and living standards.
4. How will SMEs benefit from this policy?
SMEs will be able to significantly cut R&D costs, access more affordable training cycles, test prototypes previously out of reach, and thus enter the AI ecosystem free from traditional financial barriers.
via: chinadaily.com.cn and notebookcheck.net