DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has emerged as an unexpected competitor in the global AI landscape, challenging the dominance of Silicon Valley giants like OpenAI and Google. Founded by hedge fund veteran Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek initially focused on China’s volatile stock market but later shifted to developing affordable AI models. Unlike traditional research firms, it prioritized research over commercial outreach, creating an AI model trained for just $6 million—a significant cost reduction compared to OpenAI’s GPT-4, which reportedly costs around $100 million.
The company’s new AI assistant, launched in January 2023, quickly became the top downloaded free app on Apple’s App Store. Tailored for tasks like math and coding, it positions itself as a strong competitor in the AI space. DeepSeek also follows China’s censorship rules, avoiding direct answers on sensitive topics while showcasing efficiency through its use of lower-cost chips.
Liang Wenfeng, a Zhejiang University graduate with a background in computer science, emphasized China’s need for innovation over mere imitation during hisFounding. His vision aligns with President Xi Jinping’s push for AI as a national priority. Globally, DeepSeek’s rise has caught attention amid the $600 billion decline in Nvidia’s stock value and ongoing US chip export restrictions.
Even US President Donald Trump praised DeepSeek, while Australia’s science minister warned of potential security risks related to data privacy and AI ethics. As China rapidly advances despite these barriers, DeepSeek stands out as a testament to innovation in the AI space.
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/how-china-039-s-deepseek-went-from-stock-trader-to-ai-leader-7584195