Shanghai is emerging as a global tech powerhouse with its groundbreaking AI incubator, the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center (SMC). Since its launch in September 2023, this vibrant hub has attracted nearly 400 AI enterprises from across Xuhui District, uniting young talent, innovative technology, and ample capital in one dynamic ecosystem.
At its core, SMC is a full-stack platform bridging cutting-edge research with real-world applications. Showcasing China’s rapid advancements in AI infrastructure—from hybrid computing chips to advanced graphics processing units—the center recently unveiled China’s first "AI computing power supermarket," providing developers with a diverse range of resources to spark creativity and drive breakthroughs.
Shanghai's strategic policies have been key to the center’s success. In January 2024, the city introduced a plan featuring five public service platforms designed to streamline AI development. Paired with a unique "challenge-and-grant" model that invites industry leaders to set R&D challenges for startups, these initiatives have accelerated innovations in areas such as healthcare and autonomous driving.
With over 90% of its founding teams emerging from top tech firms and elite universities, and 80% of startups focused on vertical-specific AI models, SMC has quickly become a magnet for young entrepreneurs and innovators. As one developer puts it, "This isn't just about building models—it’s about building the future." 🚀
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China's AI ambition takes shape in Shanghai's large model incubator
cgtn.com
