Briefing: China’s first AI pilot zone lands in Beijing

国家级人工智能试验区落户北京 – Beijing Evening News

What happened: The government of Beijing on Wednesday launched China’s first artificial intelligence (AI) pilot zone. City authorities vowed to increase their efforts in the fundamental research of leading technologies, and create an open platform to boost AI-powered applications. Beijing will explore AI-related issues including policy making, ethical standards, as well as data sharing, among others.

Why it’s important: The Chinese government is pushing forward with its ambitious plan to become the world AI leader in the next 10 years. The southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu aims to boost AI development by offering subsidies of up to RMB 3 million (around $430,000) to resident companies. Shanghai says it will develop 100 pilot projects by 2020, helped by a number of AI unicorns such as Sensetime and Yitu. According to central government plans, a batch of AI pilot zones will be set up nationwide, under the guidance of 15 national ministries and commissions.

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