What’s New: China has launched a new project promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in scientific research, a step toward its goal of becoming a global leader in the technology by 2030.
“AI for Science” was initiated by the recently reorganized Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Natural Science Foundation of China, according to a Monday report from the state-run Xinhua News Agency.
The project will focus on critical problems in basic disciplines and research needs in areas including drug development, genetic research and biological breeding, the report said.
The science ministry will also use the project to promote innovation of AI models and algorithms for major scientific problems and develop platforms for typical research fields, the report said.
The background: China is pushing the development of AI amid its intensified tech rivalry with the U.S.
In 2017, the State Council, China’s cabinet, announced a plan to become a world-leading AI innovation hub by 2030, developing global cutting-edge AI theory, technology and applications.
Contact reporter Wang Xintong (xintongwang@caixin.com) and editor Jonathan Breen (jonathanbreen@caixin.com)
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