China Sees Surge in Generative AI and Humanoid Robotics Startups in H1 2026
In the first half of 2026, China established 561,000 new enterprises in emerging and future industries, driven by a 28% year-over-year increase in generative AI startups and a 9.5% increase in humanoid robotics startups. Additionally, high-tech manufacturing sectors like spacecraft and rocket manufacturing saw a massive 185.7% surge in new businesses. This rapid growth highlights China's strategic shift toward high-tech manufacturing and next-generation technologies to foster new economic growth drivers. Meanwhile, the rising deregistration of companies in sectors like electric vehicles and solar power indicates an active consolidation and market correction in overcapacity industries. The data released by the State Administration for Market Regulation shows that generative AI accounted for 55,000 new enterprises, while humanoid robotics saw 116,000 new setups. Conversely, overcapacity sectors saw orderly exits, with electric vehicle and photovoltaic-related company deregistrations rising by 4.6% and 8.3% respectively.
## BACKGROUND
China's industrial policy categorizes its strategic goals into "8 emerging industries" (such as new energy vehicles and high-end equipment) and "9 future industries" (including brain-computer interfaces, quantum information, and humanoid robotics). These classifications guide state support and private investment toward sectors deemed critical for long-term technological self-reliance and economic competitiveness.