DeepSeek-powered AI courses are now part of Chinese universities' curricula, aligning with China's goal of becoming a global leader in AI research and development.
Chinese universities are launching AI courses based on DeepSeek, a breakthrough startup praised for its cutting-edge AI models, to drive innovation and education. Image: ChicHue
Beijing, China — February 21, 2025:
In a bid to bolster artificial intelligence (AI) education and technological innovation, universities across China have launched AI courses based on the cutting-edge technology developed by DeepSeek, a Hangzhou-based startup. The move comes as China intensifies efforts to drive scientific advancements and sustain economic growth through high-quality education.
DeepSeek has been widely praised for its breakthroughs in AI, with its models, DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1, being compared to those of OpenAI and Meta by Silicon Valley executives and U.S. tech engineers. This recognition has fueled China's push to integrate its technology into academic programs, aligning with the country's broader goal of becoming a global leader in AI research and development.
Shenzhen University, located in Guangdong province, announced this week the launch of a DeepSeek-based AI course. The program will not only educate students on key AI technologies but will also address crucial topics such as security, privacy, and ethical challenges. The university stated that the initiative aims to "explore how to find a balance between technological innovation and ethical norms."
Similarly, Zhejiang University has been holding specialized DeepSeek courses since February, reinforcing its commitment to advanced AI education. Shanghai Jiao Tong University has integrated DeepSeek into its AI learning tools to enhance coursework, while Renmin University of China has adopted DeepSeek across multiple domains, injecting new momentum into teaching, research, and administrative processes.
The launch of these courses coincides with China’s first national action plan, unveiled in January, which aims to build a "strong education nation" by 2035. The plan emphasizes the development of a high-quality education system with global competitiveness.
Highlighting the growing importance of DeepSeek in China's tech landscape, its founder, Liang Wenfeng, recently participated in a high-profile meeting with President Xi Jinping and leading figures from China’s technology sector, including representatives from Alibaba. The meeting underscored the nation's commitment to fostering homegrown technological innovation.
As China continues to advance its AI education and research capabilities, the integration of DeepSeek into university curricula marks a significant step toward shaping the next generation of AI talent and strengthening the country’s position in the global AI race.