Hangzhou launches Y Community to boost chip-model integration in AI

The building for the Y Community. [Photo/Qianjiang Century CBD]

Hangzhou's Qianjiang Century CBD has launched the Y Community, the Yangtze River Delta region's first full-chain AI industry hub for chip-model applications.

The community will center on Turing Town and partners with leading companies such as H3C to advance nationwide chip-model interoperability.

Officials outlined a three-step roadmap — from debut this year, to scaling in 2026, and becoming an industry benchmark by 2027 — supported by three major action plans. The initiative aims to close the widening gap between domestic computing chips and rapidly evolving AI models.

The Y Community includes a pilot testing base, two service platforms, and three industrial zones to accelerate chip-model co-innovation. Support policies are being rolled out across the city, including Hangzhou's annual 250-million-yuan ($35.36 million) computing vouchers, Xiaoshan's model-funding incentives, and a 500-million-yuan AI fund from Qianjiang Century CBD.

Ten major AI projects signed agreements at the launch. Companies say the community's appeal lies in both policy support and its collaborative environment.

Designated as Hangzhou's chip-model pilot testing site, the Y Community is set to speed up real-world applications and help the city vie for national AI innovation pilot status.