A large CEIC2026 installation welcomes visitors outside the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center in Futian District. Photos courtesy of CEIC2026

The 2026 Consumer Electronics Innovation Congress (CEIC2026) opened in Shenzhen today, bringing together more than 300 technology companies and emerging brands to showcase advances in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, smart devices and next-generation connectivity.

Running through Saturday at Hall 9 of the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center in Futian District, the three-day event features a 20,000-square-meter exhibition spanning the consumer electronics industry, from chips, operating systems and advanced materials to finished products and consumer applications.

Held under the theme “Innovation for Infinity,” the congress is expected to attract nearly 30 members of engineering and science academies and more than 300 industry leaders, technology experts and investment professionals. Its program includes three main forums and more than 20 specialized forums, according to organizers. 

Attendees gather outside a conference hall during the Consumer Electronics Innovation Congress 2026 in Shenzhen today.

Tech giants and startups converge

Major participants include China Mobile, Huawei, Honor, Lenovo, Haier, Midea, NIO, XPENG, GAC, Dassault Systèmes, EHang, EngineAI, Fourier Intelligence and Shenzhen Kaihong Digital Industry Development Co., alongside emerging technology companies and AI hardware startups.

Exhibits cover technologies underpinning consumer electronics, including computing infrastructure, communications and sensors, as well as products such as wearable devices, smart home systems, intelligent vehicles, digital health equipment and AI-powered consumer hardware.

By bringing component suppliers, technology developers and consumer brands together, the exhibition aims to encourage collaboration across the supply chain and accelerate the development of commercially viable products.

AI is a central theme, with exhibitors and speakers exploring how advances in computing, connectivity and human-machine interaction can translate into practical applications.

Visitors examine electronic devices and components at an exhibition booth during the Consumer Electronics Innovation Congress in Shenzhen today. Courtesy of SZTV

Industry leaders to explore emerging technologies

Among the scheduled speakers are Wu Hequan and Liu Yunjie, both members of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, as well as representatives of international standards organizations.

He Gang, CEO of Huawei's Consumer Business Group, is scheduled to discuss the company's AI device strategy and new products, while Gao Ji, CEO of Shanghai HiSilicon, will address opportunities in lightweight intelligent devices.

Jo Cops, vice president of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and Andy Quested, chairman of Working Party 6C of the International Telecommunication Union's Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R), are also listed among the speakers at today's opening forum. 

Discussions throughout the congress will examine embodied AI, advanced computing infrastructure, digital health, ultra-high-definition audiovisual technology, the low-altitude economy and emerging wireless communication standards.

The program also includes sessions examining how industry standards can improve interoperability and help new technologies move from research into commercial products.

A promotional poster features speakers and industry experts scheduled to participate in CEIC2026, which runs from today to Oct. 24 in Shenzhen.

AI innovation takes center stage

Beyond the main exhibition and forums, the congress features discussions led by entrepreneurs developing AI-powered consumer products.

At the Open Stage in the exhibition's Innovation Park, a panel held at 1:30 p.m. today examined the use of AI in personal health management, including smart rings, sleep-monitoring systems and AI companions.

Speakers discussed how wearable devices and home technologies can provide continuous health insights, while addressing questions about data privacy, business models and consumer trust.

Another panel, scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, will focus on the changing ways people interact with AI devices. Entrepreneurs behind the Spark Ring AI voice ring, Skyris flying companion robot and Cybersight AI sports glasses are expected to explore how voice interaction can become a more natural part of everyday life.

The discussions will shift attention from what AI technology can do to how consumers might use it, and what challenges developers must overcome to make their products practical and appealing.

With participants representing different parts of the global technology industry, CEIC2026 offers a platform for examining how advances in AI, computing and connectivity are reshaping consumer electronics.

A visitor speaks with staff at the Consumer Electronics Innovation Congress (CEIC) in Shenzhen today.