In the bustling city of Hangzhou, nestled in east China's Zhejiang Province, a quiet revolution in artificial intelligence is unfolding. An AI lab named DeepSeek has emerged from the shadows, capturing global attention with its groundbreaking R1 model. This state-of-the-art AI, trained at a fraction of the cost of mainstream models like OpenAI's ChatGPT, has set Silicon Valley abuzz and climbed to the top of the iPhone free app charts in both China and the United States, surpassing even the dominant ChatGPT.
At the heart of DeepSeek's meteoric rise is the enigmatic founder, Liang Wenfeng. A graduate of Zhejiang University with a degree in Artificial Intelligence, Liang's journey is as intriguing as his latest creation. In 2016, he co-founded High-Flyer, a quantitative hedge fund that quickly gained recognition for its innovative use of AI-driven trading strategies. By 2021, High-Flyer had fully integrated AI into its operations, leveraging machine learning models to predict market trends and make data-driven investment decisions.
In May 2023, driven by a deep curiosity and commitment to foundational research, Liang founded DeepSeek. Unlike traditional for-profit ventures, DeepSeek was envisioned as a platform for long-term exploration in the field of artificial general intelligence (AGI). \"Understanding the essence of human intelligence and the processes that underlie it is crucial,\" Liang shares in a rare interview with Anyong, a sub-brand of China's commercial tech media 36Kr. \"Despite the lack of immediate commercial incentives, the challenge of exploring complex fields like finance and the potential of AGI captivates me.\"
Liang's approach to DeepSeek is unconventional. He considers it more of a side project or hobby, emphasizing the importance of basic research which often yields low immediate returns on investment. His philosophy of 'long-termism' is a driving force behind DeepSeek's mission to advance AI research without the typical pressures of immediate profitability.
The release of DeepSeek's R1 model not only showcases the potential of cost-effective AI development but also ignites a heated debate in Silicon Valley. Industry experts are questioning whether better-resourced U.S. AI companies can maintain their technological advantage in the face of such innovative competition.
Last week, Liang's growing influence was further recognized when he was invited to a symposium in Beijing. There, Chinese Premier Li Qiang sought opinions and suggestions from experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives across various sectors, including education, science, culture, health, and sports, on a draft government work report.
As DeepSeek continues to push the boundaries of AI, the world watches closely. The 'mysterious force from the East' is not just a catchy moniker but a testament to the transformative potential emanating from China's burgeoning tech landscape. Liang Wenfeng remains a figure shrouded in intrigue, his vision and dedication propelling DeepSeek—and perhaps the entire field of AI—into uncharted territories.
Reference(s):
Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
cgtn.com
