Beijing Launches AI Supercomputer to Boost Local Tech Development
Key Takeaway
Beijing has launched a state-backed public computing platform, the Beijing AI Public Computing Platform (Shangzhuang project), to support China's AI development and address the shortage of computing power needed to train advanced AI models.
Summary
- The platform is operated by state-owned Beijing Energy Holding (BEH) to provide computing power to Beijing's tertiary institutions, research facilities and SMEs.
- It aims to offer 500 petaflops of computing power initially, ramping up to 1,500 petaflops by early 2024.
- This is part of Beijing's initiative to nurture local AI champions to rival ChatGPT and Google's Bard, amidst tighter US export controls on advanced semiconductors needed for AI.
- BEH signed deals with Alibaba Cloud, Zhipu AI and others to collaborate on areas like green energy, public cloud, computing infrastructure for the platform.
- It aligns with Beijing's plan to pool computing resources from top cloud providers for use by local AI researchers and companies.
- Beijing already hosts 1/3 of China's core AI startups, so the platform aims to boost its AI innovation capacity.