Tencent unveiled a comprehensive blueprint today (10 July 2020) for the development of its Artificial Intelligence technologies at the 2020 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai. Tencent introduced a white paper, “Tencent AI: Ambient Intelligence”, and announced the launch of the Light 2.0 Program and four new platforms including an AI pan-entertainment platform, an AI console for broadcasting and TV media, a content review platform, and an industrial AI platform. With the launch of a comprehensive and open AI ecosystem, Tencent is seeking to further unlock the value in the AI industry, reinforce the company’s leadership in AI, and kickstart a new round of innovation in AI.

The Light 2.0 Program and four new platforms aim to unlock the benefits of accumulated technologies and capabilities, inspire and train young AI talent for tomorrow, and speed up the integration of AI with industries.

The program, which follows from its predecessor Light 1.0 in 2019, takes advantage of technologies, products, resources, and projects from Tencent and its partners in the area of AI. It also provides a communication and experimental platform that promotes cooperation between industry and higher education and facilitates the training and development of future leaders. 

Dowson Tong, Senior Executive Vice President of Tencent and President of Cloud and Smart Industries Group, pointed out that AI is a core technology in the new infrastructure and the "CPU" of the industrial Internet. Integrating AI with 5G, blockchain, cloud computing, and other technologies will drive development and help AI realize its potential. 

Dowson Tong, Senior Executive Vice President of Tencent and President of Cloud and Smart Industries Group

The three-day conference from July 9-11 is an opportunity for companies to discuss trends in AI and form partnerships to push the development of AI forward. 

You can read more about Tencent's plans for AI here.