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中国曾经也有一家“OpenAI”
虎嗅APP·2025-11-16 09:08

Core Insights - The article discusses the evolution and strategic direction of Zhiyuan Research Institute, emphasizing its commitment to non-profit research in AI, contrasting with the commercialization seen in companies like OpenAI [5][8][14]. Group 1: Zhiyuan's Strategic Direction - Zhiyuan Research Institute initially considered establishing a commercial subsidiary similar to OpenAI but ultimately decided to remain a non-profit research organization [5]. - The institute has successfully incubated several startups, such as Zhipu AI and Moonlight, with valuations around 30 billion RMB each, showcasing its role as a supportive force in the AI ecosystem [5][8]. - The new research direction proposed by Wang Zhongyuan, "Wujie," focuses on multi-modal models, distinguishing it from the previous "Wudao" series, which centered on large language models [6][8]. Group 2: Multi-Modal Models and Scaling Law - The recent release of the EMU3.5 world model is seen as a significant step towards achieving a "Scaling Law" in multi-modal AI, although it is still considered a preliminary stage [7][25]. - EMU3.5's architecture allows for learning from multi-modal data, which has shown improved performance in tasks like image-text editing, indicating a potential path towards more human-like intelligence [23][24]. - The current model's parameters are around 300 billion, comparable to GPT-3.5, but achieving true "Scaling Law" will require significantly more data and computational resources [25][28]. Group 3: Research Philosophy and Talent Attraction - Zhiyuan's non-profit model has proven sustainable in China's AI landscape, attracting young researchers who prioritize long-term scientific value over immediate financial rewards [12][14]. - The institute encourages its researchers to pursue entrepreneurial ventures while providing academic and resource support, fostering a culture of innovation without direct commercialization [15][18]. - The emphasis on open-source research and collaboration is central to Zhiyuan's mission, aiming to lead in AI innovation while maintaining a commitment to societal benefits [18][19].