An artificial intelligence lab based in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, is making waves globally with the release of its state-of-the-art R1 model. DeepSeek, founded by hedge fund manager Liang Wenfeng, has trained this model at a fraction of the cost of mainstream models like OpenAI's ChatGPT, stirring significant interest and debate in the tech community.
Within days of its launch last Monday, DeepSeek's app soared to the top of the iPhone free app charts in both China and the United States, surpassing the previously dominant ChatGPT. The breakthrough has prompted discussions about whether well-established U.S. AI companies can maintain their technological edge in the face of emerging competitors like DeepSeek.
Revolutionizing AI with the R1 Model
The R1 model stands out for its innovative training approach. DeepSeek released a detailed paper explaining how they trained a large-scale reinforcement learning model without relying on supervised fine-tuning as a preliminary step. This methodology not only reduces costs but also accelerates the development process, potentially reshaping industry standards.
The release has drawn varied reactions from AI experts. Some view it as a challenge to the U.S.'s attempts to curb high-tech advancements elsewhere, while others see it as a positive sign of global innovation in artificial intelligence.
The Visionary Behind DeepSeek: Liang Wenfeng
Liang Wenfeng is a graduate of Zhejiang University, where he specialized in artificial intelligence. In 2016, he co-founded the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer, gaining recognition for implementing AI-driven trading strategies. By 2021, High-Flyer had fully integrated machine learning models to predict market trends and make data-driven investment decisions.
In May 2023, Liang founded DeepSeek with the aim of advancing the field of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Unlike traditional for-profit ventures, DeepSeek was envisioned as a platform for long-term, fundamental research. Liang emphasizes that basic research, while often yielding low immediate returns, is crucial for meaningful advancements in AI.
A Philosophy of Curiosity-Driven Exploration
Liang's approach to AI is deeply rooted in curiosity and a desire to understand the essence of human intelligence. He believes that exploring complex fields without the pressure of immediate commercial incentives allows for greater innovation. "DeepSeek is more like a side project or hobby," Liang shared in a rare interview with Anyong, a sub-brand of China's tech media 36Kr. "It's driven by deep curiosity and a commitment to foundational research."
This philosophy reflects in DeepSeek's operations, focusing on exploring new methodologies and challenging existing paradigms within AI research. Liang's commitment to "long-termism" is seen as a refreshing divergence from the profit-driven motives that dominate much of the tech industry.
Engaging with National Development
Liang's contributions have not gone unnoticed in his home country. Last week, he was invited to a symposium in Beijing where Chinese Premier Li Qiang sought insights from experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives across various sectors. The inclusion of innovators like Liang signals China's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into its national development plans.
The Future of AI Innovation
DeepSeek's rise illustrates the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. As emerging companies like Liang Wenfeng's challenge established industry players, global readers, business professionals, and academics alike watch closely to see how these developments will shape the future of technology.
For those interested in the intersection of innovation, economics, and culture within Asia, DeepSeek's story is a testament to the region's influential role in global affairs. It underscores the importance of curiosity-driven research and the potential it holds for groundbreaking advancements.
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Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
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