Hangzhou invites developers worldwide to compete for a total prize pool of 5 million yuan. [Photo/Global Open-source AI Challenge]

Hangzhou in East China's Zhejiang province launched the Global Open-source AI Challenge on July 21, inviting developers worldwide to compete for a total prize pool of 5 million yuan ($738,195) and accelerate real-world AI innovation.

The competition features four tracks: AI agent infrastructure, practical AI applications, frontier scientific research, and embodied AI. Finalists will compete in Hangzhou on Sept 22-23, alongside an exhibition of open-source AI innovations.

Backed by leading international open-source organizations, the contest aims to turn promising ideas into practical solutions while strengthening global collaboration in AI.

The top prize is worth 1 million yuan, and winning teams will receive support in connecting with developer communities, research institutions, industry partners and investors.

Hangzhou has made AI a pillar of its advanced manufacturing strategy.

In 2025 the city's core AI industry generated 460 billion yuan in revenue, up 23.1 percent year-on-year, accounting for nearly two-thirds of Zhejiang province's total. The city also hosts China's largest number of national AI pilot platforms and has opened more than 500 application scenarios to accelerate AI deployment thus far.

Organizers said the competition aims to foster an open, collaborative innovation ecosystem where AI technologies can be tested, improved and adopted on a global scale.

Experts share their ideas and reflections at the event. [Photo/Global Open-source AI Challenge]