A major matchmaking event in Yantai, East China's Shandong province, has taken a big step in mixing artificial intelligence with manufacturing. The coastal city wants to lead in AI-driven industrial upgrades.

The event brought over 300 people from industry chains, tech firms, and financial institutions.

To boost AI use, Yantai set up two AI industrial communities — one for green chemicals and another for non-ferrous metals. Four projects were signed, including an intelligent factory project by Eddie Precision and a 5G factory project by CIMC Raffles.

The city released its first "Scenes 100" dual lists: one listing 110 specific AI needs from manufacturers, and another showing 117 solutions from 80 AI providers. The impact was immediate. Official data shows 154 solutions have been matched to 97 needs, hitting an 88.2 percent matching rate.

"This is not a wide net, but precision irrigation," an attendee noted. With 104 targeted matchmaking events planned for 2026, Yantai is building a platform where AI technology meets real industrial needs. This initiative is set to boost Yantai's goal of becoming a leader in advanced manufacturing.