Chinese universities are launching AI courses based on the country’s groundbreaking startup DeepSeek.
In January, the company sent shockwaves through the West when it unveiled an AI model as powerful as ChatGPT that can run at a fraction of the cost.
Now, Shenzhen University in southern Guangdong province has confirmed it is launching an artificial intelligence course based on DeepSeek that will help students learn about key technologies.
Students will also study security, privacy and other challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
The move comes as Chinese authorities aim to boost scientific and technological innovation in schools and universities that can create new sources of growth.
The course will “explore how to find a balance between technological innovation and ethical norms”, said the university.
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Three other universities confirmed to Reuters that DeepSeek is being embedded into their courses, as Chinese authorities push for growth in the country’s tech sector.
On Monday, China’s premier Xi Jinping held a rare meeting of the country’s tech leaders.
He encouraged them to “show their talent” and be confident in the power of China’s model and market.
One analyst said the meeting was a reflection of the Chinese government’s concern that it is lagging behind the US when it comes to technology.
“It’s a tacit acknowledgement that the Chinese government needs private-sector firms for its tech rivalry with the United States,” said Christopher Beddor, deputy China research director at Gavekal Dragonomics in Hong Kong.
