TENCENT(HK:00700) 腾讯研究院·2025-12-15 10:18Core Insights - The article discusses the launch of the "NextGen" initiative under the Tencent Exploration Plan, focusing on "AI archaeology" and "activation and utilization" of cultural heritage, aiming to leverage cutting-edge technologies to address challenges in archaeological research and cultural heritage preservation [3][4][11]. Group 1: NextGen Initiative - The "NextGen" initiative aims to upgrade the existing Tencent Exploration Plan by focusing on two main tracks: "AI archaeology" and "activation and utilization" [3][4]. - The "AI archaeology" track plans to select 2-3 landmark projects, each receiving funding of around 1 million yuan, and 3-5 projects for technological breakthroughs, each receiving 300,000 yuan [3]. - The initiative seeks to integrate AI technology into archaeological research, addressing challenges such as time consumption, reliance on expert experience, and data processing efficiency [3][5]. Group 2: Activation and Utilization - The "activation and utilization" track aims to implement around three representative cultural digitalization scenarios, creating replicable and scalable models for international outreach [3][5]. - This track addresses three main industry pain points: the need for personalized and specialized models in cultural heritage, enhancing immersive interactive experiences, and preserving traditional skills through standardized digital methods [5][8]. - The goal is to reshape cultural heritage expression and create revolutionary experiences through innovative technologies [5]. Group 3: Technological Innovations - The Tencent SSV Digital Cultural Laboratory has developed "Tao Yuan AI," which integrates various AI capabilities to enhance public engagement with cultural heritage [6][8]. - The platform has onboarded over 600 museums across China, creating a rich database of cultural IPs, including oracle bones and the Beijing Central Axis [8]. - The AI aims to transform the public experience from mere observation to understanding and interaction, thereby enhancing the social value of cultural heritage [8][11]. Group 4: Achievements and Future Plans - The Tencent Exploration Plan has achieved significant breakthroughs in digital preservation and activation of cultural heritage, including the virtual restoration of the Kizil Caves murals and high-precision 3D modeling of the Longmen Grottoes [11][12]. - The initiative emphasizes a sustainable "culture + technology" funding model to support various projects in cultural heritage revitalization [11][12]. - Tencent aims to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration to drive technological breakthroughs and paradigm innovations in cultural heritage digitalization [5][12].