Artefact established China Research Center in Shanghai, collaborating with Shanghai Jiao Tong University to explore new paths for AI business empowerment.
Recently, Artefact, a globally renowned data and AI consulting company from France, announced the establishment of its second global research center at its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Shanghai, and officially signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The collaboration aims to deeply integrate cutting-edge AI technologies into business practices to accelerate economic growth. With the rapid development of general-purpose large models, AI's reshaping of business and industrial landscapes has become a focal point across sectors, making this partnership highly anticipated.
Powerful Collaboration to Tackle Cutting-Edge AI Applications
On December 18, Edouard de Mezerac, CEO of Artefact Asia-Pacific, Dr. Zhang Pengfei, Chief Data Scientist, and Professor Jin Yaohui, Chief Engineer of the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, gathered at Artefact’s Shanghai headquarters—the famous landmark "Hengji Xuhui Tiandi"—to witness the signing of the memorandum. According to the agreement, the doctoral research team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University will work closely with Artefact’s data science team to tackle cutting-edge AI challenges.
Artefact will provide the necessary research environment, technology, and industry-open data support to accelerate the research process. Additionally, the research team will have close communication with Artefact’s global technical and research teams, offering better international perspectives and collaboration opportunities. The doctoral students from Shanghai Jiao Tong University will serve as the primary bridge between the university and the company, determining research areas and directions under the guidance of academic advisors and corporate teams.
This collaboration is a key part of Artefact’s global strategy, aiming to build an ecosystem of innovation among Artefact, universities, and corporate clients to efficiently connect research outcomes with industry applications. Edouard de Mezerac stated: "Over the past decade, Artefact has explored data and AI-driven business model transformations across more than 20 countries. AI is not just about optimization but the reinvention and innovation of end-to-end business solutions. Today, access to various large models is global; the key lies in effective application. Accelerating the technical implementation of AI across different businesses is the core goal of this partnership."
Industry-Research Integration: AI-Driven Business Transformation
Currently, like many countries worldwide, China faces both opportunities and challenges brought by AI. According to Artefact’s research, only 11% of companies have scaled AI applications for business empowerment and restructuring, while more enterprises are still seeking breakthroughs. Bridging real-world industry data with large models presents technical barriers due to differences across vertical industries.
Professor Jin Yaohui, Chief Engineer of the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, pointed out: "To achieve the healthy development of AI, we must connect with real business needs rather than hypothetical scenarios. Some countries have already begun exploring cutting-edge technologies like RAG and AGENT. This collaboration will expand research areas based on industry trends, closely addressing business challenges to discover high-value technical pathways and achieve academic breakthroughs." Both parties pledged to open-source all developed technologies for public benefit.
Upholding Ethical Standards to Guide Corporate Compliance
Artefact was founded in 2014 in Paris, France, specializing in AI and data consulting, covering areas such as consulting, data science, AI technology, and marketing. Through years of effort, it has partnered with over 1,000 clients and 300 international brands, gaining a first-mover advantage in global data and AI consulting.
Artefact China has overcome pandemic challenges, achieving annual growth exceeding 40%. Its industry applications span luxury goods, cosmetics, apparel, retail, FMCG, travel, B2B, and more.
Since its inception, Artefact has adhered to the principle of "trust and transparency," ensuring ethical data and algorithm practices. In AI model development, it emphasizes algorithmic transparency and fairness, customizing validation tests during deployment, and considering ethical and compliance factors early in business implementation while actively seeking expert input.
The collaborating institution, the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, was established in 2018. It boasts a high-caliber team, including three members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Engineering, four IEEE Fellows, two Changjiang Scholars, four recipients of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, and over 30 national-level talents.
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