The wave of large artificial intelligence models is sweeping across the globe, even sparking a “hundred model battle” in China. As Shanghai seizes the opportunity for industrial transformation and upgrading, it is showcasing impressive competitiveness thanks to its comprehensive AI industrial chain and innovative ecosystem. What role can Pudong, as a leading area in socialist modernization, play in this dynamic landscape?
In the urban sub-center of Zhangjiang Science City in Pudong, the “Model Community,” a large ecosystem cluster with a total construction area exceeding 200,000 square meters, has risen. Built on over 30 years of industrial foundation in Zhangjiang, this community aims to create a centralized model industrial development ecosystem and establish a new high ground for AI.
Yin Yian Technology, which is committed to building a leading digital R&D collaboration platform for biomedicine in China, is one of the key occupants of the “Model Community.” CTO Shi Huihui attributes their choice of location to three main factors: the platform effect of gathering upstream and downstream industries, supportive policies for startups, and the dense cluster of innovative pharmaceutical companies in Zhangjiang, which “brings us closer to our customers and industry.”
Currently, nearly 40 upstream and downstream ecosystem companies, such as Xiaodu Technology, Yanchip Intelligence, Weili Technology, and Light Polarization, have officially settled in the “Model Community.” These companies span various fields within the large model industry, including foundational technologies, application research and development, scenario design, and computational support, forming a closed-loop research and application ecosystem. The collaborative spirit among companies in the community has fostered an environment where they can efficiently connect their respective segments of the industry.
“The initial intention behind establishing the ‘Model Community’ is truly reflected in the companies that have joined us. We have genuinely found our upstream and downstream partners here, and even invited collaborators to join us,” Shi Huihui shared.
As industries recognize the transformative potential of large models, the “Model Community” has become increasingly known as a high-density innovation incubator. However, is physical space necessary for the development of models that rely on data, computational power, and algorithms?
Amid the ongoing debates, the “Model Community” has established a clear vision for itself. As a vital part of Pudong’s AI industrial ecosystem, the community leverages Zhangjiang Science City’s existing industrial foundation to create support platforms for computational power, data resources, and algorithm deployment. “The ‘Model Community’ serves as a critical space and ecosystem for driving AI industry upgrades through large models. We emphasize the industrial driving force and the realization of diverse application scenarios,” stated Yuan Tao, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of Shanghai Zhangjiang (Group) Co., Ltd.
A physical space can effectively attract companies and foster collaboration. Guan Fenghua, Deputy General Manager of Shanghai Zhangjiang Science Gate Technology Development Co., Ltd., explained, “First, the ‘Model Community’ serves as a convenient space for large model companies to settle and communicate. Here, the exchange of ideas is more accessible and prolific, leading to new research outcomes and facilitating spontaneous business growth. Secondly, we hope the ‘Model Community’ will act as a bridge and link, effectively connecting upstream application scenarios, mid-tier research and development, and downstream foundational technology support. Additionally, Zhangjiang will leverage existing large enterprise innovation centers to help niche model companies swiftly build their pathways and provide better commercialization channels for smoother access to application scenarios.”
This industrial positioning has also gained recognition from academia. Jin Yaohui, Chief Engineer of the AI Research Institute at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, emphasized the necessity of a physical community. “Offline spaces provide venues for personal interaction. Industrial demand requires broader communication, blending virtual and physical elements, and facilitating connections between supply and demand.”
As Pudong becomes China’s first innovation application pilot area for artificial intelligence, it showcases a trend of accelerating the integration of AI with economic and social development. Not only does the Zhangjiang Science City boast one of the country’s most comprehensive AI industrial ecosystems, but it is also one of the earliest regions to invest in AI industry development. Jin Yaohui believes Pudong has identified a suitable path for its growth, and creating such a community that combines virtual and physical elements aims to offer services to various industries. “The key to development is not merely copying others but effectively integrating demand, scenarios, and supply capabilities within the community. The discussion around whether this community should be government-led, industry-driven, or opened up for collaborative efforts is crucial,” he concluded.
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