On December 19, Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU) signed a cooperation agreement with Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. The two sides will strengthen cooperation in multiple areas, including building a joint talent class, setting up practical training bases, conducting product research and development, and promoting other university-enterprise cooperation projects. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Liang Yongsheng, vice president of SZTU, and Zhou Qi, deputy general manager of Baidu’s AI Technology Ecology Department. Prof. Xu Qianghua, deputy dean of College of Big Data and Internet at SZTU, and Qian Fang, head of Education Ecology Management of Baidu PaddlePaddle Platform, signed the cooperation agreement on behalf of the two sides.

SZTU and Baidu sign a cooperation agreement. [Photo/Party Affairs Committee Publicity Office]

SZTU and Baidu will jointly build an AI Talent Class, with an anticipated initial launch in April or May next year. The program will select approximately 40 students, primarily majoring in artificial intelligence and computer science. The college and Baidu PaddlePaddle will provide a special grant of 50,000 yuan to the program each year. Graduates in the program who pass the evaluation will be given higher priority for job opportunities at Baidu and its affiliated ecosystem enterprises.

Prof. Liang Yongsheng delivers a speech at the signing ceremony [Photo/Party Affairs Committee Publicity Office]

The AI Talent Class is expected to be established as a model program between a hi-tech giant and an emerging technology university. It aims to train talented individuals with the ambition to solve various academic problems in AI and drive industrial development, as stated by Prof. Liang Yongsheng. “The Talent Class will select students with a strong background in mathematics, as mathematical theory remains an important area that requires research and study in the field of AI. The program will focus on training students to develop stronger mathematical skills so that they can solve real-world problems.”

SZTU and Baidu also agree to strengthen cooperation in developing the teaching staff. SZTU will recommend teachers from specific disciplines to participate in the PaddlePaddle training. Staff members with strong technical skills and extensive management experience from PaddlePaddle can also contribute to teaching and scientific research at SZTU as guest lecturers, innovation and practice trainers, and administrators for industry-academia-research cooperation and industrialization.

Zhou Qi at the signing ceremony [Photo/Party Affairs Committee Publicity Office]

Zhou Qi said that the study of this program will be based on the deep learning framework of PaddlePaddle and its AI Studio community. “We hope that the AI Large Language Model technology can reach universities and be further developed through the platform, tools, and service system at Baidu. We will offer a variety of courses, practical training opportunities, and resources to help students better learn and apply the technology.”

Liu Conglin gives a lecture. [Photo/Party Affairs Committee Publicity Office]

Before the signing ceremony, Liu Conglin, product management manager of Baidu’s AI Technology Ecology Department, delivered a lecture on “Large Language Model Powers News Writing and Product Development”.

Baidu PaddlePaddle is the first industrial deep learning platform in China, featuring self-developed, rich functionality and open resources. PaddlePaddle AI Studio community is currently the largest AI learning and training community in China. PaddlePaddle currently has eight million developers and provides services to 220,000 enterprises and public institutions. It has created 0.8 million models, positioning itself as the top player in China’s deep learning platform market in terms of overall market share.

Drafted by Daisy（姚琦）/ International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office

Revised by International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office

Edited by International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office