Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is bringing infinite possibilities to our future. Evolving from a "thinker" that breaks cognitive boundaries to an "executor" that reconstructs productivity logic, AI is transitioning from foundational capability development to real-world applications, poised for rapid implementation. With a complete industrial chain, abundant application scenarios, and continuous technological breakthroughs, China's AI industry is accelerating at an unprecedented pace.

So, what does the AI industrial chain entail, and what are its prospects? How can ordinary investors conveniently tap into the future opportunities of this industry?

Computing Power as the Foundation, Algorithms as the Enabler, Applications as the Goal—The AI Industry Holds Great Promise

Currently, China's AI industrial chain has formed a complete ecosystem of "computing power-algorithms-applications."

The upstream computing power segment provides essential infrastructure for AI model training and application development, including foundational chips, basic software, network equipment, and computing devices. The midstream segment, consisting of algorithms and large models, equips AI with capabilities such as perception, analysis, decision-making, and interaction. The downstream application segment empowers countless industries with AI technology, encompassing both software and hardware applications, offering vast market potential.

At present, driven by technological innovation, policy support, and an innovation cycle, AI commercialization is expected to advance rapidly.

Technologically, AI Agents are evolving into "digital employees" capable of independently completing complex tasks—thinking, planning, and executing intricate assignments while delivering comprehensive results. From AI models to AI Agents and then to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), the versatility of AI is expected to improve continuously.

Policies are also actively supporting AI industry development. This year's government work report proposed advancing the "AI Plus" initiative, seizing technological breakthroughs to empower all industries and households with AI.

From an innovation cycle perspective, AI today may resemble personal computers in the 1980s or smartphones around 2008, standing on the brink of rapid adoption. McKinsey research indicates that the global penetration rate of generative AI is currently at a level comparable to the early stages of internet development.

Looking ahead, the era of AI is accelerating, with China's supply chain advantages providing a solid foundation for AI industry growth. Meanwhile, technological innovations and explorations by companies like DeepSeek are at the industry's forefront, rapidly expanding the breadth and depth of application scenarios. The industry's strong momentum positions it to capture a significant share of the global market.

The Future is Here: One-Click Investment in the AI Industrial Chain

The wave of AI transformation has surged from laboratories to countless industries. For ordinary investors, participating through index-based investments offers a convenient way to gain exposure to the AI industrial chain, mitigating single-technology risks while sharing in the dividends of this era.

Among the AI indices in the market, the largest ETF by scale tracks the CSI Artificial Intelligence Theme Index. Wind data shows that as of May 22, the total scale of ETFs tracking this index exceeded RMB 23 billion.

Specifically, the CSI Artificial Intelligence Theme Index focuses on leading AI industrial chain companies in the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets, comprising 50 stocks with large market capitalizations and businesses related to AI foundational resources, technologies, and application support.

In terms of sector composition, the index includes upstream computing power-related industries such as semiconductors, computer equipment, and communication devices, as well as midstream algorithm and downstream application-related sectors like software development, gaming, and auto parts. It comprehensively covers the upstream, midstream, and downstream of the AI industrial chain with a relatively balanced distribution.

In recent years, the AI industry has grown rapidly, and the CSI Artificial Intelligence Theme Index has delivered solid long-term returns. According to Wind, as of May 22, 2025, the index's annualized return since its base date (June 29, 2012) was approximately 10%.

Additionally, ETFs tracking the SSE STAR Market Artificial Intelligence Index have also seen rapid growth this year, with the total scale of related ETFs such as the STAR AI ETF (588730) reaching RMB 6.5 billion.

The STAR AI Index covers the entire AI industrial chain on the STAR Market, rigorously selecting 30 top-performing AI companies. In terms of sector distribution, the index is relatively concentrated in computing power and applications, with semiconductors accounting for over 50%, highlighting its "self-reliant" and "hard-tech" characteristics.

Historically, driven by recent market trends, the STAR AI Index has delivered an annualized return exceeding 25% since its base date (December 30, 2022) as of May 22, demonstrating strong resilience.

AI technology has already shown its potential, with applications flourishing across multiple fields, promising vast future possibilities.