SenseTime, Alibaba open AI lab in partnership with HK Science and Technology Parks

Facial recognition startup SenseTime and e-commerce heavyweight Alibaba announced on Monday they have set up an artificial intelligence laboratory in Hong Kong by partnering with Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corp.

The AI laboratory is aimed to strengthen technology exchange between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong by combining the former's accumulation of artificial intelligence core technologies and application scenarios, and the latter's advantage in AI academic research.

The move came shortly after the government called for enhanced collaboration in science and technology between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, so as to support the latter's aim of becoming an international center for innovative technologies.

Tang Xiaoou, founder of SenseTime, said the laboratory will serve as a platform to build a bridge between academia and industry, which will promote the application of AI technology, and widen cooperation between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.

"With this platform and SenseTime's leading artificial intelligence technology, we hope to create more opportunities for young people in Hong Kong," said Tang, who is also a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

The move also came after SenseTime announced in April that it had acquired $600 million in its Series C round of fundraising led by Alibaba, setting a record for venture capital funding in the artificial intelligence sector.

The deal valued SenseTime at over $4.5 billion. Other investors include Temasek Holdings and Suning Commerce Group Co Ltd.