Participants of muShanghai exchange ideas at Alibaba Hongqiao Center. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Shanghai's Hongqiao International Central Business District is hosting muShanghai, a month-long pop-up city dedicated to high-density co-creation and likened to China's version of Burning Man.
Initiated by the global builder community, The Mu, muShanghai takes place at the Alibaba Hongqiao Center, which provides one-stop services to global entrepreneurs. The organizers aim to showcase the innovation vitality of China and promote ongoing international collaboration and project incubation in Shanghai.
Running from May 10 to June 6, the 28-day science and technology innovation experiment brings together about 1,000 tech developers, researchers, and entrepreneurs from over 50 countries and regions. Of more than 2,000 applicants, 800 participants have been selected to explore new collaboration opportunities in artificial intelligence and technology.
Distinguished guests include OpenAI engineers, core members of OpenClaw, tech podcasters, researchers and entrepreneurs from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford, as well as founders who secured tens of millions of dollars in funding within the past funding rounds.
"China's AI and hardware ecosystem is world-class but largely invisible to global builders," said Sun, founder of The Mu. "muShanghai exists to close that gap — 800 people, 28 days, zero spectators, pure co-creation."
The event features thematic weeks on AI, biotechnology, robotics, and culture, culminating in a weekly Creators' Marketplace where participants can demo projects, recruit co-founders, and test products with real users.
Vincent Koc, a core contributor to OpenClaw, praised China's rapid AI development and dynamic open-source ecosystem. "China has recognized the immense potential of personal AI agents, and this is just the beginning," he said.
"China is a top global hub for AI. I'm here to connect with industry resources, find partners, and learn about China's culture and efficient tech work models," said an overseas AI startup founder.
The event also serves as a valuable platform for domestic innovators to connect with global resources. Mr Meng, an AI practitioner from Xi'an, expressed excitement about learning from global experts and seeking cross-border collaboration opportunities.
