Application closing in 15 days! Everything you need to know about the 2026 World Internet Conference Distinguished Contribution Award

Q1. What does each award category focus on? How can an enterprise determine the most suitable category?

Social Contribution Category

This category recognizes enterprises that leverage digital technologies to advance sustainable development, promote cultural preservation and inclusiveness, and enhance social well-being.

Innovative Breakthrough Category

This category focuses on outstanding achievements and breakthrough progress in technologies, products, services, business models, or industrial applications.

Growth Potential Category 

This category recognizes emerging enterprises with rapid growth, strong innovation capabilities, and promising development prospects. Eligible enterprises must have been established on or after April 13, 2016, as indicated on their business registration certificate or equivalent registration documents.

Applicants are encouraged to review previous award recipients and the corresponding award citations to gain a deeper understanding of the achievements and values recognized under each category.

Previous recipients: https://cn.wicinternet.org/node_163594.htm

Q2. Can an enterprise apply for more than one category?

Yes. Each enterprise may apply for up to two categories.

If an enterprise’s achievements span multiple areas, applying for more than one relevant category is encouraged to showcase its contributions and value more comprehensively.

Q3. What types of enterprises are eligible to apply?

The Award is open to enterprises across all sectors that are engaged in internet-related technologies, business models, or digital ecosystems.

Previous award recipients and applicants have come from a wide range of fields, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cybersecurity, industrial internet, digital healthcare, digital education, smart agriculture, smart energy, fintech, digital culture, and more.

Q4. Are there any requirements regarding company size?

No.

The Award places greater emphasis on innovation, tangible contributions, growth potential, and industry impact rather than company size alone.

Whether you are an industry leader or a fast-growing emerging enterprise, the Distinguished Contribution Award provides an international platform to showcase your achievements.

Q5. Is international business activity required for eligibility?

No, it is not a requirement.

However, applicants are encouraged to highlight their global vision and international impact where applicable, enabling the international judging panel to better understand the enterprise’s value and contributions.

Q6. Is there any advice for preparing the application materials?

In the narrative section of the application, applicants are encouraged to focus on their most representative achievements and impact, presenting key information clearly and concisely. It is highly recommended that specific examples, case studies, and data be used to strengthen the credibility and persuasiveness of the application.

In the supporting materials, applicants are advised to upload files of reasonable size and clearly label each document with relevant information, such as document type (e.g., Audit Report, Patent Certificate) and applicable time period (e.g., 2025–2026).

Q7. What benefits do award-winning enterprises receive?

Award recipients will be recognized at the award ceremony held during the Opening Ceremony of the World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit.

They will also benefit from a range of opportunities, including official promotion through WIC channels, international visibility and media exposure, and access to networking and collaboration opportunities, which would further enhance their brand influence and global partnerships.

Q8. What benefits do shortlisted enterprises receive?

Shortlisted enterprises will have the opportunity to participate in selected activities of the WIC Wuzhen Summit and gain access to showcasing and networking opportunities provided by the WIC.

These opportunities can help enhance their international visibility and industry influence.

Application deadline: July 13, 2026

Whether you are an industry leader creating social value, a technology pioneer driving innovation, or a rising star shaping the future, we warmly welcome outstanding enterprises from around the world to apply for the 2026 WIC Distinguished Contribution Award and showcase how digital technologies are empowering development and creating positive impact.

Apply now: https://awards.wicinternet.org/