Chinese universities launch AI courses inspired by DeepSeek breakthrough

This month, universities across China have introduced artificial intelligence (AI) courses inspired by DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup whose breakthrough has been hailed as a "Sputnik moment" for the country.

DeepSeek’s innovation in AI has garnered widespread attention and aligns with China’s efforts to accelerate scientific and technological advancement in educational institutions, helping to create new growth drivers for its rapidly developing economy, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Founded in Hangzhou, DeepSeek has quickly gained recognition from Silicon Valley executives and US tech engineers, who have praised the startup’s AI models—DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1—as being on par with the most advanced AI systems developed by industry giants such as OpenAI and Meta. Shenzhen University in Guangdong province is one of the first institutions to offer a dedicated AI course based on DeepSeek’s technology.

The course will not only cover cutting-edge AI techniques but will also delve into critical issues such as security, privacy, ethics, and the broader challenges posed by emerging technologies. The aim is to foster a discussion about how to balance innovation with ethical considerations. Zhejiang University in eastern China has also introduced specialized DeepSeek courses as of February. Meanwhile, Shanghai’s Jiao Tong University has integrated DeepSeek’s technology into its AI learning tools, enhancing educational experiences for its students.

Renmin University of China has similarly incorporated DeepSeek into its curriculum and research, using the technology to boost teaching, campus operations, and academic endeavors. China’s broader ambition to strengthen its education system is reflected in its recent national action plan, unveiled in January, which aims to build a “strong education nation” by 2035. The plan emphasizes the importance of creating a high-quality education system that will be among the best globally. 

Liang Wenfeng, the founder of DeepSeek, recently attended a rare meeting with President Xi Jinping and key leaders in China’s tech sector, including representatives from Alibaba, to discuss the future of the nation’s AI and educational initiatives. As China continues to invest in AI and innovation, the DeepSeek-inspired courses at universities are expected to play a key role in shaping the next generation of tech leaders and innovators.

DeepSeek is a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup based in Hangzhou, renowned for its breakthroughs in AI technology. DeepSeek's technology focuses on solving complex AI problems while addressing challenges related to security, privacy, and ethics. As the company continues to push the boundaries of AI, its influence has expanded beyond the tech industry, leading to collaborations with educational institutions in China, where its models are being integrated into university curricula to train the next generation of AI professionals.

By Naila Huseynova