Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-02-02 07:26Core Insights - Baidu is recognized as a "Huangpu Military Academy" for AI entrepreneurs, with over 133 AI companies founded or co-founded by former Baidu employees, including 25 new startups in 2023 and 2024 [2][3] Group 1: AI Entrepreneurship Landscape - The majority of Baidu's former employees have ventured into three main areas: autonomous driving, large models and data analysis, and AI hardware [3][4] - In the autonomous driving sector, notable companies include Xiaoma Zhixing, WeRide, and Horizon Robotics, with founders having significant roles at Baidu [3][4][7] - The large models and data analysis field features companies like Zero One Wan Wu and Deep Space Ling Zhi, with founders who held key positions at Baidu [3][4][7] Group 2: Baidu's Influence on AI Development - Baidu's early investment in AI, starting with the establishment of its Deep Learning Institute in 2013, has created a comprehensive ecosystem from research to application [5] - The Apollo platform has been pivotal in accumulating capabilities in perception, regulation, simulation, and data closure for autonomous driving [5] - Baidu's focus on system-level problem-solving rather than just model development has equipped its former employees with the skills necessary for complex, long-term projects [5] Group 3: Notable Entrepreneurs and Their Backgrounds - Key figures include Peng Jun and Lou Tiancheng from Xiaoma Zhixing, Yu Kai from Horizon Robotics, and Ma Jie from Zero One Wan Wu, all of whom have extensive experience at Baidu [7] - Other notable entrepreneurs include Liu Bo Cong from Guangzhi Shikong and Gu Jia Wei from Ling Yuzhou, both of whom have backgrounds in Baidu's research divisions [4][7]