The Forum on Independent AI Innovation and Development was held on May 18, marking the official launch of the “Jingxi Intelligence Valley – Renmin University of China Artificial Intelligence and Smart Governance R&D Center”.

The event was attended by Lin Shangli, President of Renmin University of China (RUC), and Lv Chenfei, Mayor of Beijing’s Mentougou District, both of whom delivered keynote speeches. Also present were senior representatives from the Zhongguancun Academy, Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence (BAAI), and other industry and academic institutions.

In his address, Lin Shangli emphasized that accelerating the development of next-generation AI is a strategic priority for China to seize opportunities in the new wave of scientific and technological revolution. He highlighted the forum’s role in fostering collaboration, advancing AI innovation, and supporting national smart governance initiatives.

“We must innovate talent cultivation models, promote interdisciplinary integration, and bridge academia and industry to nurture pioneers who can harness AI, integrate digital and humanities disciplines, and drive real-world applications,” Lin stated. He expressed hope that the forum would serve as a platform to deepen the integration of education, talent, and innovation, ultimately contributing to China’s AI advancement.

Lv Chenfei noted that Mentougou District and RUC had previously signed an AI industry-academia-research cooperation agreement during the 3rd Beijing Artificial Intelligence Industry Innovation and Development Conference. The newly inaugurated R&D center, he said, represents a milestone in district-university collaboration, combining RUC’s research and talent strengths with Mentougou’s industrial policies and resources.

Wen Jirong, Executive Dean of RUC’s Gaoling School of Artificial Intelligence (GSAI), presented the school’s achievements and development plans, highlighting advancements in academic research, talent development, and industry collaboration. He outlined goals to deepen educational reforms, cultivate top-tier professionals, and establish RUC as a leading hub for AI innovation.

At the forum, faculty and students from the GSAI showcased a range of cutting-edge AI innovations, including large-scale models, multimodal platforms, and AI-driven applications in research, governance, and social interaction.

A panel discussion on “Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Age of AGI” featured insights from industry and faculty representatives. Topics included strategies to empower youth innovation and the future of AI-driven entrepreneurship.

The event was part of RUC’s 2025 Global Alumni Discipline Development Forum, co-hosted by GSAI, the Ministry of Education’s Engineering Research Center for Next-Gen Intelligent Search and Recommendation, and the Beijing Key Laboratory of Large Models and Intelligent Governance. It aimed to advance AI theory and industry collaboration while fostering a supportive ecosystem for young innovators.