The 2026 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) is scheduled to take place in Beijing from March 25 to 29. With the annual theme "Deep Integration of Technological and Industrial Innovation," the event will feature five main sections: plenary sessions, achievement releases, technology trading, cutting-edge competitions, and supporting events. Comprising over 100 activities, the forum is expected to welcome over a thousand guests from more than 100 countries and regions.

Overall, this year's annual conference highlights four key features, according to a press conference held on Wednesday.

First, it emphasizes the expanded efforts in building an international science and technology innovation center. Focusing on the development of the Beijing (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei) International Science and Technology Innovation Center, the three regions will jointly host forums such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Collaborative Innovation and High-Quality Development Forum and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Technology Trading Achievement Matchmaking Meeting. They will release relevant policies to deepen regional cooperation, jointly advance innovation synergy and industrial collaboration, and promote deep cooperation across "six key industrial chains and five industrial clusters."

Second, it highlights the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation. Multiple thematic forums will be held around cutting-edge fields such as 6G, brain-computer interfaces, and cell and gene therapy, delving into discussions on technological innovation and industrial applications in these areas. Events like the Frontier Technology Competition and the Technology Trading Conference will provide matchmaking platforms for the transformation of scientific and technological achievements.

Third, it stresses the integrated advancement of education, technology, and talent. Renowned domestic and international universities, research institutions, and leading enterprises will be invited to participate deeply, bringing together innovative groups such as outstanding engineers and young scientific talents. They will discuss technology development and strategic demand-oriented talent cultivation models, aiming to stimulate the vitality of innovative talent.

Fourth, it focuses on high-level openness and international cooperation in science and technology. Implementing bilateral and multilateral international cooperation framework agreements, the forum will host several thematic events. It will also act on international initiatives for open science, with the release of the "International Cooperation Action Plan for Open Science."

Since its inception in 2007, the ZGC Forum has adhered to the permanent theme of "Innovation and Development" and embraced the philosophy of open innovation and win-win cooperation. It has attracted increasing attention and participation from guests and audiences both domestically and internationally, playing a positive role in promoting scientific exchange and collaboration.