How Alibaba’s Global Innovation Program Is Accelerating AI Research with 50+ Universities

Alibaba’s 2018 Global Innovation Research Program (AIR) brings together more than 50 universities worldwide, opening dozens of real business scenarios and focusing on eight technology directions.

The eight directions are machine learning, natural language understanding, multimedia and human‑computer interaction, knowledge engine, infrastructure, system software, data computing and security – all key areas for building a strong network nation.

By combining authentic industry problems with top academic research, Alibaba aims to accelerate the iteration of frontier technologies in real environments.

Air’s “Zangjingge Plan” gathers researchers from Tsinghua, Zhejiang, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other institutions to structure knowledge about concepts, entities and their relationships, enabling computers to perform brain‑like reasoning. Alibaba also plans to launch an open knowledge‑engine service platform for SMEs within a year.

The collaboration follows a three‑step model: open real‑world scenarios, jointly define problems, and co‑solve them through internal‑external cooperation.