In 2025, Chinese companies like DeepSeek, BYD, and CATL are making significant advancements in technology, particularly in large language models and electric vehicles. This growth is supported by a committed R&D framework and collaboration between universities and the private sector. Unlike Silicon Valley, where private investors usually bear the risks, the Chinese state heavily invests in promising university-affiliated startups through initiatives like the Torch Programme. This approach has created an environment where both academia and industry work together to fuel innovation and potentially transform entire industries.
"The most prominent example in 2025 has been DeepSeek and its low-cost large language models, but others include electric-vehicle maker BYD and battery manufacturer CATL..."
"Collaboration between academia and industry in China is structured around a high-risk, high-reward funding philosophy, where promising academic ideas receive investment despite many failing..."
"In China, the state plays a pivotal role in the commercialization of research, with government departments investing billions into university-affiliated businesses..."
"The Torch Programme initiated in 1988 illustrates the long-standing Chinese policy to synergize researchers and companies for commercializing research outputs and boosting start-ups..."
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