A Nantong enterprise displays its products at the parallel exhibition during the event. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

The 2026 National Health Construction Conference and "AI + Elderly Care" Carnival opened in Nantong, Jiangsu province, on Sept 5, bringing together senior health officials, industry leaders, and tech innovators to discuss the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare services.

In her opening remarks, Mayor Zhang Tong laid out Nantong's ambition to become a national model for healthy cities, highlighting AI-powered eldercare, biopharma growth, and institutional reform. She invited entrepreneurs and young researchers to help transform the city from a traditional "hometown of longevity" into a modern wellness destination.

Vice-Minister of the National Health Commission Shen Hongbing commended Nantong's replicable practices in chronic disease prevention and smart elderly care, urging the conference to build consensus and foster innovation to advance national health goals. Tan Ying, director of the Jiangsu Health Commission, praised Nantong's proactive implementation of national strategies and expected the conference to spur health reform across Jiangsu.

Several initiatives were unveiled during the conference, including an endocrinology evaluation model, and a Nantong initiative on cross‑border traditional Chinese medicine elderly‑care services. A series of life sciences and health projects were also signed, covering smart healthcare, drug development, and care services.

A parallel exhibition featured nearly 100 exhibitors and more than 600 products, ranging from smart medical devices and surgical robots to brain‑computer interfaces, age‑friendly care products, and TCM innovations. Three on‑site tours were offered, focusing on wellness tourism, smart healthcare, and biopharmaceuticals.