Alibaba's AI Focus: Transitioning Away from Quantum Computing

Hui Xin

2023/12/04 11:37

Alibaba's Quantum Computing Unit Closure

Alibaba has shuttered its quantum computing research lab, a sign that the Chinese e-commerce and cloud operator is considering more cutbacks to bulk up the bottom line. https://t.co/DPODwZD4PK
— Caixin Global (@caixin) November 28, 2023

Chinese Tech giant Alibaba undergoes a strategic transformation, discontinuing its quantum computing unit amid broader restructuring.

The closure impacts approximately 30 employees, with Alibaba redirecting its focus towards emerging technologies, particularly generative artificial intelligence (AI).

Alibaba's decision to shutter its quantum computing unit signifies a shift in strategic priorities.

The company also reaffirms its commitment to supporting affected talent, suggesting opportunities at Zhejiang University.

#TechNews from China.

Alibaba is donating its quantum lab to a Chinese university as it looks to focus its research efforts on AI development. https://t.co/FY8h1IfE4q
— CSIS Strategic Technologies Program (@CSIS_Tech) November 28, 2023

While Alibaba does not explicitly cite reasons for the closure, speculation arises around macroeconomic uncertainties linked to the U.S. ban on semiconductor trade with China.

This ban disrupts China's quantum computing plans, as global regions intensify their investments in the sector.

Corporate Reorganisation Within Alibaba

The quantum computing unit closure is part of Alibaba's 2022 restructuring efforts, including dividing businesses into six independent units and laying off over 30,000 employees.

Earlier challenges, such as abandoning a new cloud business launch, led to stock drops and leadership reshuffling.

Despite these challenges, generative artificial intelligence becomes Alibaba's focus.

The company introduces an open-source AI model to compete with Meta's Llama 2, emphasising adaptability to Chinese authorities' legal framework for generative AI.

Alibaba (BABA) launches two open-source AI models, Qwen-7B and Qwen-7B-Chat, similar to Meta Platforms' (META) Llama 2. This could boost BABA's cloud computing unit and AI capabilities.
— Stocknewsgpt (@stocknewsgpt) August 3, 2023

Alibaba's Future Outlook

Alibaba's decision to close its quantum computing unit in favor of generative AI highlights the dynamic tech industry.

As global competition in quantum computing intensifies, Alibaba adapts its resources to emerging technologies, emphasising its commitment to remaining a tech leader.

As the company navigates challenges and explores new opportunities, its role in shaping the future of AI and tech innovation remains of keen interest to industry observers and investors.

Alibaba

More news about alibaba cloud 移行

Jan 24, 2024 12:13 am
Mysten Labs partners with Alibaba Cloud to launch new service to support Move developers
Mysten Labs, the developer of Sui, announced on social media that its cooperation with Alibaba Cloud will be further enhanced. The two parties plan to jointly launch a series of new services to support Move developers. These products include development environments that support artificial intelligence, cross-university educational programming, and communities. Mandarin and Korean translations of Activities and Move documentation. Alibaba Cloud will also support Sui infrastructure by providing full node services on Sui.
Dec 24, 2023 2:04 pm
Alibaba Cloud Unveils Cutting-Edge AI Text-to-Video Generator
In an age where artificial intelligence continues to push the boundaries of technological innovation, a new collaboration between artists and university researchers is emerging to safeguard the intellectual property of creative minds. US illustrator Paloma McClain’s recent encounter with unauthorized AI replication of her artwork has sparked a proactive response within the artistic community,... source: https://www.cryptopolitan.com/alibaba-unveils-ai-text-to-video-generator/
Oct 28, 2023 4:19 pm
Futureverse Partners with Alibaba Cloud to Enhance AI Music Platform JEN
According to Foresight News, AI metaverse startup Futureverse has announced a partnership with Alibaba Cloud to integrate high-performance computing technology into its AI music platform, JEN. This collaboration combines Futureverse's expertise in AI music solutions with Alibaba Cloud's secure and scalable cloud computing capabilities to further develop and establish high-performance AI infrastructure and security standards. JEN is the first version of Futureverse's general high-fidelity model for text-to-music generation.As previously reported by Foresight News, in July 2023, Futureverse completed a $54 million Series A funding round led by 10T Holdings, with participation from Ripple Labs and others.
Aug 22, 2023 6:30 pm
Web3 game development extension solution COMBO deepens cooperation with Alibaba Cloud
Odaily Planet Daily News Web3 game development extension solution COMBO and Alibaba Cloud have deepened their cooperation to jointly build a stable, secure, and flexible Web3 game development infrastructure and maximize the potential of Web3 games. Prior to the news on June 2, COMBO announced the launch of an 80 million US dollar ecological fund, which will be provided to developers who create Web3 games on COMBO. In addition to grants, the Ecosystem Fund also provides developers with access to consultants and gaming industry veterans to help guide them through Web3 game development.
Jun 27, 2023 3:08 pm
Fireblocks Adds Support for Amazon AWS, Google Cloud Platform and Alibaba Cloud
Cryptocurrency custody technology provider Fireblocks has begun supporting cloud service providers Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform, Alibaba Cloud, Thales and Securosus, CoinDesk reported.
Apr 12, 2023 3:39 pm
Pan Jiahe, Head of Alibaba Cloud Web3 Solution Department: Alibaba Cloud can provide Web3 enterprises with customizable cloud service solutions
Foresight News reported live, at the "How does Alibaba Cloud support your Web3 journey?" The cloud can provide customized cloud service solutions for Web3 enterprises. At present, virtual asset enterprises have used Alibaba Cloud's public cloud, private cloud and other services, and Alibaba Cloud has solid experience in Web2 construction and is confident in supporting different platforms in the Web3 field. , not only can help the Web3 industry improve its infrastructure, but also provide consulting services for Web3 companies, help Web3 companies build a secure cloud architecture, and guide the development of smart contracts. At the same time, Alibaba Cloud has a complete storage and supervision network to provide more secure services for Web3 enterprises. "Web3 Festival" (Web3 Festival) is a Web3 event brand jointly launched by Wanxiang Blockchain Lab and HashKey Group, and hosted by W3ME. This year's "Web3 Carnival" will last from April 12 to April 15, and will focus on the core issues of various Web3 tracks such as regulatory policies, Web3 infrastructure, and Metaverse.
Mar 27, 2023 3:57 pm
Alibaba Cloud to Launch Blockchain Lab in Shibuya, Japan in April
Alibaba Cloud will launch a blockchain lab in Shibuya, Japan in April to help Japanese game developers. The lab will be opened in cooperation with Skeleton Crew Studio, through which developers can adopt solutions provided by Alibaba Cloud partners, including Safeheron, a digital asset custody solution for institutional investors, NodeReal, a blockchain infrastructure provider, Extended solution COCOS-BCX.
Mar 20, 2023 3:07 pm
Alibaba Cloud will launch a series of out-of-the-box Web3 security tools in April
Alibaba Cloud announced at the 2WEB3 FEST summit in Hong Kong that it will launch a series of out-of-the-box Web3 security tools in April. This Web3 security tool can be used by developers and enterprises in security scenarios such as private key management, risk assessment, transaction review, compliance and user authentication. These tools include multi-party secure computing (MPC), identity verification (KYC) and anti-money laundering ( AML) service, which helps Web3 developers protect data, save labor costs and improve operational efficiency. Alibaba Cloud will also provide blockchain node services to Hong Kong Web3 developers this year. In addition, Alibaba Cloud also cooperates with the Web3 education platform and community Blockchain Academy and the blockchain infrastructure solution provider NodeReal to build Hong Kong's Web3 ecosystem, cooperates with Blockchain Academy to establish a new Web3 community, and organizes blockchain education activities. and competitions to provide young people and start-ups with learning, work and business opportunities; NodeReal will build nodes on the Alibaba Cloud platform to provide blockchain services for Alibaba Cloud users.
Jan 09, 2023 8:11 pm
PlatON will jointly host the Web3 Global Entrepreneurship Competition "HAPathon 2023" with Alibaba Cloud and HashKey Group
PlatON will jointly host the Web3 Global Entrepreneurship Competition "HAPathon 2023" with Alibaba Cloud and HashKey Group. This competition will be held in Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo and Hong Kong successively. PlatON said the competition is part of a memorandum of understanding signed by the three parties in November 2022 to explore potential collaboration opportunities on a number of projects, including co-development and support of infrastructure for use by Web3 developers It is a technology platform that facilitates developers to develop various Web3 applications and protocols in the fields of games, social media and metaverse.
Nov 29, 2022 5:43 pm
The Alibaba Cloud Hong Kong Summit was held today and the first Alibaba Cloud Web3 Open Course was launched
The Alibaba Cloud Hong Kong Summit will be held on November 29, 14:00-18:00, and 1,000 attendees will receive a limited edition Alibaba Yunbao digital badge. The summit is also the first important event on the milestone of Alibaba Cloud Web3.0. At the same time, the first Alibaba Cloud Web3 public course was officially launched. If you complete the course before December 31, you can win the Alibaba Yunbao digital badge.