OPPO launches new research institute to boost capability in 5G, AI, and image processing

OPPO announced today the launch of its new research institute according to local news media reports. The new OPPO research institute is headquartered in Shenzhen and has research schools located in major Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen), Japan’s Yokohama, and the US Silicon Valley.

OPPO, the Chinese consumer electronics and smartphone maker, has been quietly bolstering its tech capabilities. Liu Chang, the newly appointed head of OPPO’s research institute, said the research schools will focus on accelerating the development of three main areas—software, hardware, and standards—and will emphasize cutting-edge research in areas including 5G, AI, and image processing.

OPPO has also been collaborating with universities across the world. The company has jointly set up a lab with Stanford University called the OPPO-Stanford Collaboration Lab to explore AI technology and applications. For research in 5G, OPPO has teamed up with the New York University and a number top-ranking universities in China.

Chen Mingyong, CEO of OPPO, said the company is “taking a step further to boost innovation and is pushing itself to become the leader in developing and applying of AI, 5G and other technologies to the edge.”

OPPO is among a horde of Chinese tech companies that are seeking to bolster their tech capabilities. Tech giants, including Baidu, Tencent, Alibaba, and Sogou have all increased their spending on AI research and other emerging technologies over the past year. And 5G is a new battleground that major world powers like China and the US are trying to conquer.