Shanghai's AI Advancements Shine at Global Developer Conference

Shanghai's Global Developer Conference highlights the city's strides in AI development, featuring cutting-edge models, strategic alliances, and a vision for ecosystem growth.

Shanghai Boosts Ecosystems for AI Developers at Global Developer Conference

Shanghai recently showcased its commitment to advancing the field of artificial intelligence at the Global Developer Conference (GDC) held in the city. The event featured the unveiling of several cutting-edge AI models developed in Shanghai, along with intelligent hardware, an open-source foundation, and the establishment of an AI industry alliance.

One of the highlights of the conference was the introduction of new large language models (LLMs) that rival the capabilities of OpenAI’s GPT-4. SenseTime, a prominent AI company, presented an innovative all-in-one machine tailored for the finance sector. This machine offers precise search functionalities and question-and-answer capabilities for handling vast amounts of financial documents.

A glimpse of the innovative AI models developed in Shanghai

Xu Li, the CEO of SenseTime, emphasized the pivotal role of AI in driving new quality productive forces and fueling China’s economic growth and digital transformation. Another noteworthy AI model, Finstep, specializing in financial information and analysis, was introduced with the backing of the Shanghai United Media Group.

The formation of an alliance dedicated to AI application ecosystems marked a significant milestone at the GDC. Key founding members of this alliance include tech giants like Alibaba, SenseTime, Minimax, Tencent, and China Mobile. This collaborative effort, combined with the unveiling of new technologies, underscores Shanghai’s strategic decision to bolster AI ecosystems and foster the development of the AI industry, identified as one of the city’s three ‘pioneering industries’ in its long-term development plan.

Shanghai’s commitment to advancing AI extends beyond mere rhetoric. The city plans to focus on enhancing core technological breakthroughs, advancing AI chip research, promoting open-source initiatives, and deploying AI models across various sectors such as finance, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. These initiatives aim to accelerate the growth of AI innovation and ecological development within the region.

Chen Jie, the vice mayor of Shanghai, articulated these ambitious goals during the opening ceremony of the GDC, held in the vibrant West Bund area of Xuhui District. Notably, 24 large language models developed in Shanghai have already been registered with national regulators, a crucial step towards their commercialization for public use in China.

In a parallel development, the Openatom Foundation, an open-source AI organization, announced its plans to establish a center in Shanghai. The GDC, spanning 85,000 square meters in the West Bund area of Xuhui District, showcased a diverse array of technologies including robots, AR glasses, and AI LLM applications. The event also served as a platform for numerous companies, including Tesla, to scout for talented individuals to drive innovation and growth in the AI sector.