Techfullnews

Meet DeepSeek’s Founder: Liang Wenfeng and His Vision to Reshape AI in China

deepseek/techfullnews

Liang Wenfeng, the 39-year-old mastermind behind DeepSeek, has rapidly emerged as a central figure in China’s quest for AI supremacy. His rise to prominence comes at a time when China faces increasing technological restrictions from the U.S., making homegrown innovation more crucial than ever.

Until recently, Liang maintained a remarkably low profile, rarely engaging with the media. However, his influence became undeniable when he was among nine individuals invited to speak at a high-level symposium led by Chinese Premier Li Qiang on January 20. This exclusive event underscored the significance of DeepSeek’s contributions to China’s AI ambitions, positioning the company as a key player in the nation’s technological strategy.

DeepSeek’s Disruptive AI Model and Market Impact

DeepSeek recently launched an AI assistant that has already sent shockwaves through the global tech sector. The company claims its model operates with significantly reduced data requirements and at a fraction of the cost compared to existing AI solutions. This breakthrough has led to widespread market reactions, including a selloff in tech stocks, as investors recognize the potential disruption DeepSeek poses to established AI giants.

Unlike many Chinese tech firms that focus on consumer applications, DeepSeek prioritizes research and model development. Liang’s vision is clear: rather than competing in the crowded app market, DeepSeek aims to create cutting-edge AI models that other businesses can integrate into their own products. This strategy contrasts with China’s traditional approach of rapidly scaling foreign innovations, a practice that has long defined its tech industry.

Breaking Free from the “Follower” Mentality

Liang has been vocal about the need for China’s AI sector to shift from imitation to true innovation. “China cannot remain in a perpetual state of following others,” he said in a rare interview. “The real gap between China and the U.S. is not just a matter of time—it’s about originality versus replication.”

He believes that China’s tech industry has historically prioritized short-term financial gains over groundbreaking research. “For decades, the focus has been on making money rather than pushing the boundaries of innovation,” he remarked. “True breakthroughs require not just investment but a deep curiosity and a passion for creation.”

Championing Open-Source AI for Global Influence

A defining characteristic of DeepSeek’s approach is its commitment to open-source AI models. Unlike OpenAI, which has opted for a closed-source strategy, DeepSeek makes its core AI technology available for public use and modification. Liang sees this as more than just a business decision—it’s a philosophy.

“Open-source is not just a corporate strategy; it’s a cultural mindset,” he explained. “Even if OpenAI remains closed, it cannot prevent others from catching up. Companies that embrace open-source gain a unique form of soft power that extends beyond their immediate business interests.”

This perspective aligns with the collaborative ethos that has driven Silicon Valley’s success and could play a crucial role in shaping China’s AI development on a global scale.

Liang Wenfeng: From Academia to AI Leadership

Liang’s journey began in Guangdong, a region known for its entrepreneurial spirit and rapid economic development. Despite growing up in an environment where business acumen was highly valued, Liang was drawn to academia. At just 17, he entered Zhejiang University, one of China’s top institutions, to study Electronics and Communication Engineering. He later earned a master’s degree in Information and Communication Engineering, completing his studies in 2010.

His career took a significant turn in 2015 when he co-founded a quantitative hedge fund, leveraging advanced mathematical models for algorithmic trading. Under his leadership, the fund grew to manage assets exceeding 100 billion yuan ($13.79 billion). However, in 2023, Liang announced a dramatic shift in focus—his firm would redirect resources toward AI research, specifically in the field of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Just a month later, DeepSeek was born.

The Pursuit of AGI: DeepSeek’s Ultimate Goal

DeepSeek is not merely building AI tools—it is striving to develop AGI, a form of artificial intelligence that can outperform humans in most economically valuable tasks. This ambitious mission has attracted top-tier talent from China’s most prestigious universities, many of whom are drawn by the challenge of solving AI’s most complex problems.

“What motivates the best minds in the world is the opportunity to tackle the hardest problems,” Liang stated. “Our goal remains clear: we are pursuing AGI.”

What Lies Ahead for DeepSeek and Liang Wenfeng?

Under Liang Wenfeng’s leadership, DeepSeek has positioned itself as a game-changer in the AI industry. By focusing on foundational AI research rather than consumer applications, championing open-source collaboration, and striving for AGI, DeepSeek is reshaping China’s role in the global AI race.

Liang’s approach challenges traditional business strategies in China’s tech sector, advocating for a shift from profit-driven innovation to research-led breakthroughs. As DeepSeek continues to evolve, its success could signal a new era where China is no longer just catching up in AI—but leading the way.

ADVERTISEMENT
RECOMMENDED
NEXT UP

Windows 11 is making waves in the music production world with its latest update, bringing the most significant overhaul to MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) since its inception in 1983. Microsoft has announced that its newest Windows 11 Canary test build includes a public preview of Windows MIDI Services, introducing support for MIDI 2.0 and enabling MIDI 1.0 to run seamlessly on Windows on Arm devices.

This update is a big deal for musicians, producers, and anyone involved in digital music creation. But what does it mean for you? In this article, we’ll break down the significance of MIDI 2.0, explore how this update enhances Windows 11, and discuss what it means for the future of music production.

What is MIDI, and Why Does It Matter?

MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is the backbone of modern music production. Introduced in 1983, MIDI is a protocol that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate with each other. It doesn’t transmit actual audio but rather data like note information, velocity, pitch, and control signals, enabling precise control over music creation.

Over the years, MIDI has become an essential tool for musicians, producers, and composers. Whether you’re recording in a professional studio or creating beats on your laptop, MIDI is likely playing a crucial role in your workflow.

The Evolution to MIDI 2.0


While MIDI 1.0 has been the industry standard for decades, it has its limitations. Enter MIDI 2.0, announced in 2019, which brings a host of improvements designed to meet the demands of modern music production.

Key Features of MIDI 2.0:
Bidirectional Communication: Unlike MIDI 1.0, which only allows one-way communication, MIDI 2.0 enables devices to “talk” to each other, creating a more dynamic and interactive experience.

Higher Resolution: MIDI 2.0 offers significantly improved resolution for parameters like velocity and pitch, allowing for more nuanced and expressive performances.

Enhanced Instrument Control: The new protocol supports more detailed control over instruments, making it easier to fine-tune sounds and effects.

Backward Compatibility: MIDI 2.0 is designed to work seamlessly with MIDI 1.0 devices, ensuring a smooth transition for users.

Windows 11 Embraces MIDI 2.0
With the latest Windows 11 Canary build (27788), Microsoft is rolling out a public preview of Windows MIDI Services, marking the first time MIDI 2.0 will be natively supported on a Windows operating system. This update is part of Microsoft’s broader effort to provide a “great experience for musicians” and lay a “strong foundation for future expansion and enhancement.”

What’s New in Windows MIDI Services?

Native MIDI 2.0 Support: Musicians can now take full advantage of MIDI 2.0’s advanced features on Windows 11.

Windows on Arm Compatibility: MIDI 1.0 is now optimized to run on Arm-based devices, expanding the range of hardware that can be used for music production.

Improved Performance: The update promises faster and more reliable MIDI communication, reducing latency and improving overall workflow.

Microsoft has shared detailed technical insights about the update on its blog, offering a deep dive into the improvements and how they benefit users.

Beyond MIDI: Other Exciting Updates in Windows 11 Canary Build


While the MIDI 2.0 update is the star of the show, the latest Windows 11 Canary build includes several other noteworthy features:

  1. OneDrive Integration
    A new one-click feature allows users to seamlessly switch between Windows 11 PCs and iOS or Android devices, ensuring that files are always accessible and up to date. This is a game-changer for productivity, especially for users who work across multiple devices.
  2. Microsoft Store Enhancements
    Gamers will appreciate the ability to selectively install individual components for games like Call of Duty and Halo. This feature saves storage space and allows users to customize their gaming experience.
  3. Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements
    As with any test build, this update includes a range of bug fixes and optimizations to enhance stability and performance.

Why This Update Matters for Musicians


The introduction of MIDI 2.0 support in Windows 11 is a significant milestone for the music industry. Here’s why:

Future-Proofing Music Production: MIDI 2.0 is the future of digital music communication, and Windows 11 is ensuring that musicians are ready for this evolution.

Enhanced Creativity: With higher resolution and bidirectional communication, musicians can achieve greater expressiveness and precision in their work.

Expanded Hardware Options: Support for Windows on Arm opens up new possibilities for portable and energy-efficient music production setups.

What’s Next for Windows 11 and MIDI?


While the MIDI 2.0 update is currently in the Canary test build, it’s expected to roll out to the general public once testing is complete. Microsoft has emphasized that this update is just the beginning, with plans for further enhancements and expansions in the future.

For musicians and producers, this means staying ahead of the curve and being prepared to embrace the next generation of music technology.

Conclusion: A New Era for Music Production on Windows 11
Windows 11’s MIDI 2.0 update is more than just a technical upgrade—it’s a leap forward for music production. By embracing the latest advancements in MIDI technology, Microsoft is empowering musicians to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

Whether you’re a professional producer or a hobbyist, this update promises to enhance your workflow and open up new possibilities for your music. Keep an eye out for the official release, and get ready to experience the future of MIDI on Windows 11.

Figure AI, a company striving to introduce general-purpose humanoid robots for both commercial and residential applications, announced on X that it is ending its collaboration with OpenAI in favor of its own in-house AI development. The Bay Area-based robotics firm cited a “major breakthrough” in AI as the primary reason for this shift. While details remain scarce, founder and CEO Brett Adcock assured Techfulnews that Figure AI will unveil a groundbreaking humanoid AI advancement within the next 30 days.

Strategic Shift Away from OpenAI

OpenAI has played a notable role in Figure AI’s journey, previously collaborating on next-generation AI models for humanoid robots. In 2023, Figure AI secured $675 million in funding, bringing its valuation to $2.6 billion. To date, the company has raised $1.5 billion from investors, highlighting the immense financial backing behind its ambitious projects.

The decision to sever ties with OpenAI is unexpected, given the latter’s dominant position in artificial intelligence. Simply being associated with OpenAI typically offers companies a significant visibility boost. Just last August, Figure AI confirmed that its Figure 02 humanoid would utilize OpenAI’s models for natural language interactions.

The Challenge of Integration

Despite OpenAI’s expertise in AI-driven applications, Adcock pointed out that the integration process posed serious challenges. OpenAI operates on a massive scale, focusing primarily on general AI applications rather than embodied AI, which integrates artificial intelligence into physical systems such as robots. According to Adcock, vertical integration is the key to successfully scaling humanoid robotics.

“To solve embodied AI at scale in the real world, you have to vertically integrate robot AI,” Adcock told Techfullnews. “We can’t outsource AI for the same reason we can’t outsource our hardware.”

OpenAI’s Expanding Interest in Humanoid Robotics

Interestingly, OpenAI has been diversifying its investments in humanoid technology. The company is a major backer of 1X, a Norwegian robotics startup that focuses on humanoids for home applications. While many humanoid robot firms target industrial and warehouse automation, 1X has pivoted toward residential use cases.

Furthermore, OpenAI’s latest trademark application, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), suggests an interest in humanoid robotics. The filing references “user-programmable humanoid robots” and “humanoid robots with communication and learning capabilities”, fueling speculation that OpenAI might be developing its own hardware.

Figure AI’s Focus: Industry Over Homes

Although Figure AI has explored residential applications for its robots, its primary focus remains industrial deployments. This strategy aligns with automakers’ greater financial resources for testing and implementing emerging technologies. BMW, for example, began deploying Figure robots at its South Carolina factory in 2023, marking a significant milestone for the company.

The Competitive Landscape: Proprietary AI vs. Partnerships

The robotics industry remains divided on whether to develop proprietary AI models or rely on external partnerships. While Figure AI is doubling down on in-house development, other leading humanoid firms continue collaborating with AI specialists.

For instance, Boston Dynamics has partnered with the Toyota Research Institute to enhance its Atlas humanoid robot with advanced AI capabilities. The approach mirrors Apple’s vertically integrated ecosystem, where software is optimized specifically for proprietary hardware. However, achieving seamless hardware-software synergy is both complex and resource-intensive.

The Road Ahead for Figure AI

With its deep financial backing, Figure AI has been able to rapidly scale its hardware and software teams, recently relocating to a larger Bay Area office to accommodate its growth. The company’s shift away from OpenAI marks a pivotal moment in its mission to redefine humanoid robotics through proprietary AI models.

The next 30 days will be crucial, as Figure AI promises to showcase a technological advancement that has never been seen on a humanoid robot. If successful, this move could position the company as a leader in the humanoid robotics space, setting a new standard for vertically integrated AI-powered robots.

ADVERTISEMENT
Receive the latest news

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Get notified about new articles