Century Huatong Launches the 2nd Digiloong Cup Global AI Innovation Competition

The 2nd Digiloong Cup Global AI Innovation Competition (Digiloong GAIC) has officially launched, marking a significant event in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Initiated by Century Huatong, the parent company of Century Games, the competition aims to foster innovation and industrial application of AI technologies. The launch took place on April 2, 2026, coinciding with the debut of its official website. This year’s competition is backed by several authoritative institutions, including the Games Publishing Committee of CADPA and the Shanghai Cultural and Creative Industry Promotion Association, among others. These partnerships are designed to create a comprehensive support system that accelerates the transformation of AI into practical productivity.

The inaugural Digiloong GAIC was held in 2025 and saw considerable success, attracting over 150 innovative teams from around the globe. A total of 120 valid works were submitted, with 11 teams recognized for their exceptional contributions. The competition not only highlighted young entrepreneurial talent but also facilitated the commercial application of AI technology. Notably, Haiyi Interactive Entertainment received strategic investment from Century Huatong for its high-quality project, while the Gamercury team garnered joint investment from Shanghai Angel Club, underscoring the competition's role in empowering industrial applications and establishing a solid foundation for the upcoming event.

This year's competition features a well-structured timeline, with submissions open from April 2 to May 31. The preliminary selection phase is scheduled for June 1 to June 15, followed by a re-selection period from June 16 to June 30. The shortlisted projects will undergo an offline review in mid-to-late July, culminating in an award ceremony at ChinaJoy 2026 on July 31. This systematic approach ensures a thorough evaluation of the participating works, enhancing the competition's integrity and impact.

Expanded Focus Areas

In response to the evolving AI landscape, the Digiloong GAIC has expanded its focus areas by introducing three major tracks: AI Games, AI Applications, and AI Agents. This strategic division aims to cover the core application fields of current AI technology, reflecting the competition's commitment to staying relevant and impactful in the industry. The inclusion of these tracks is indicative of the growing interest in AI's diverse applications, from gaming to practical solutions in various sectors.

Regional empowerment is another highlight of this year's competition. The organizers plan to collaborate with various partners to conduct offline activities in Hangzhou, Macau, and Shanghai, thereby fostering a regional innovation network. This initiative aims to stimulate AI innovation across different areas, particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta. The competition also retains the successful online live salon format from the previous year, which focuses on the theme of "AI+" and project roadshows, further enhancing engagement and visibility for participating teams.

A notable improvement in this year’s competition is the emphasis on post-competition incubation and long-term support for projects. In addition to cash rewards, a diversified reward system has been established to empower teams with resources, capital, and technology beyond the competition's conclusion. This year, participants can benefit from a unique feature that allows them to enter both the Digiloong GAIC and the 4th "Cultural and Creative Shanghai" Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition simultaneously. This linkage offers teams additional exposure and access to valuable industry resources, aligning with the overarching goal of integrating AI with digital cultural and creative industries.

Implications for Creators and Technologists

The Digiloong GAIC represents a significant opportunity for creators and technologists in the AI field. By providing a platform for innovation and collaboration, the competition encourages the development of cutting-edge AI solutions that can lead to real-world applications. The focus on post-competition support ensures that promising projects have the resources they need to thrive in a competitive market.

Moreover, the competition's emphasis on regional empowerment and collaboration with various partners highlights the importance of community in driving innovation. For creators, this means access to a broader network of resources and potential collaborators, which can enhance their projects and increase their chances of success. The integration of investment matchmaking services further strengthens the support system for participating teams, providing them with the necessary guidance and funding to bring their ideas to fruition.

As AI technology continues to advance and permeate various industries, competitions like the Digiloong GAIC play a crucial role in fostering innovation and bridging the gap between technology and practical application. By nurturing emerging talent and facilitating connections within the industry, the competition not only contributes to the growth of individual projects but also to the overall development of the AI ecosystem.

In summary, the launch of the 2nd Digiloong GAIC underscores Century Huatong's commitment to advancing AI innovation and its application in various sectors. By creating a robust platform for collaboration and support, the competition aims to drive the next wave of AI breakthroughs and contribute to the high-quality development of China's digital economy and AI industry.