Sberbank plans to collaborate with Chinese researchers on joint AI projects, according to a top executive at Russia's largest bank. Given the disruptive impact of China's DeepSeek on the tech industry, which has developed an AI model more cost-effectively than its U.S. counterparts, there is growing interest in such collaborations.
While Russia and China have discussed AI cooperation, particularly in military applications, the extent and specifics of these partnerships remain largely undisclosed. Sberbank, led by CEO German Gref, has evolved from a traditional state savings bank to a significant player in artificial intelligence, exemplified by the release of its GigaChat model in 2023.
Sberbank's First Deputy CEO, Alexander Vedyakhin, shared that the bank's collaboration with Chinese researchers aims to leverage its scientific talent for joint research initiatives. He emphasized the importance of strengthening scientific cooperation between the two countries.
The recent success of DeepSeek has sparked interest in low-cost AI solutions worldwide, prompting considerations of challenging U.S. dominance in the sector. Discussions around a potential AI alliance between Russia and China have the potential to reshape the global AI landscape significantly.
Putin's directive to Sberbank to enhance collaboration with China and other BRICS nations underscores the strategic importance of bolstering partnerships to compete with global AI leaders. Russia's efforts to navigate sanctions and develop indigenous AI capabilities mirror challenges faced by countries like China.
Amidst the competition in AI innovation, Vedyakhin highlighted the contrast between DeepSeek's transparent approach and the more secretive practices of entities like OpenAI. Sberbank's commitment to transparency and accessible AI platforms, such as Kandinsky and GigaChat Lite, aligns with the evolving trends in the industry.