Large companies:
Japan’s largest nuclear power plant restarts operations
On January 21, local time, Tokyo Electric Power Company restarted Unit 6 of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant. Japan’s largest nuclear power plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company, has been shut down since the March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Previously, the necessary local approvals for restarting the nuclear power plant had been completed, but the restart was postponed after a configuration error was discovered. (CCTV News)
Lenovo Group and NVIDIA jointly launch “Lenovo AI Cloud Super Factory”
36Kr has learned that Lenovo Group and NVIDIA recently jointly announced that the two companies will further deepen their cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence infrastructure and jointly launch the “Lenovo AI Cloud Super Factory”. At the same time, Lenovo China officially released the comprehensive solution of “Lenovo AI Factory”, which aims to help enterprise data centers transform from traditional “computing power centers” into efficient “AI factories”, and promote the application and full implementation of full-stack AI technology in China.
OpenAI: Launches user age prediction function to protect underage users
ET on Tuesday, OpenAI announced that it has launched an age prediction model in its ChatGPT consumer plan to help identify accounts belonging to users under the age of 18. OpenAI has released several new security features in recent months to address increased scrutiny of how it protects its users, especially underage users. OpenAI said that if its age prediction model reveals that a user is under 18, ChatGPT will automatically trigger safeguards to reduce the display of “sensitive content.” If you incorrectly determine that an adult user is under 18, you can use the Identity Verification Service persona to regain full access. (Caixin)
Officials: Qatar’s $580 billion wealth fund undergoes major reforms and adjustments
Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), which has up to $580 billion in assets, is considering separating its overseas assets from its domestic portfolio, laying the groundwork for a major restructuring of one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, people familiar with the matter said. QIA executives discussed creating a new agency to manage tens of billions of dollars’ worth of domestic assets and grow it into a world-leading company, people familiar with the matter said. Officials said the move will allow QIA to better align its global multi-sector investment layout and prepare for the huge revenues brought in by the expansion of the country’s natural gas projects. (Sina Financial)
ZhiYuan Robotics’ robot motion redirection patent published, improving robot interaction capabilities in complex scenarios
36Kr recently learned on the Aiqicha app that a patent for “Robot motion redirection method, storage medium, electronic device, and product” of Zhiyuan Innovation (Shanghai) Technology Co., Ltd., an affiliate of ZhiYuan Robotics, was published. The patent abstract indicates that the method involves the following steps: Mapping the motion data of the object to be imitated to the robot’s initial motion data. The first motion data is optimized to generate second motion data that satisfies the motion constraints of the robot. Collision detection and repair is performed on the second motion data to obtain third motion data. Security verification is performed on the third motion data, and the third motion data is processed based on the result of the security verification to obtain fourth motion data for driving and executing the robot. This application effectively avoids situations where the movement is not viable due to physical limitations and eliminates the risk of collision between joints to ensure the safety of the movement. After security verification, the reliability and stability of the obtained motion data will be further strengthened, allowing the robot to perform operations safely and accurately, and improving the robot’s interaction ability and motion adaptability in complex scenarios.
DataTang and LingXinQiaoShou sign strategic cooperation
Recently, DataTang, a provider focused on artificial intelligence data services, and LingXinQiaoShou, a technology company focused on dexterous hand research and development, formally signed a strategic cooperation agreement. The two parties will integrate their respective advantageous capabilities, carry out comprehensive and thoroughly coordinated cooperation in the field of embodied intelligence, and jointly promote the thorough integration of industrial technology innovation and industrial applications. The strategic cooperation between the two parties aims to jointly meet the dual needs for high-quality training data and advanced equipment carriers in the development of embodied intelligence, and jointly build a more competitive industrial ecosystem. In the future, the two sides will take this opportunity to move from “complementary functions” to “systematic cooperation”, continuously deepen cooperative innovation in key links of the embodied intelligence industrial chain, and jointly promote industrial technology upgrading and ecosystem improvement.
Yonghui applied for multiple “Fat Xiaohui” trademarks
36Kr has learned that the Aiqicha app shows that Yonghui Superstores Co., Ltd. has applied for multiple “Fat Xiaohui” trademark registrations in June 2025. International classifications include tobacco and smoking materials, catering and accommodation, food, wine, etc. Currently, the status of the above trademark is “Trademark Pending”. Furthermore, in November 2024, Yonghui Superstore Co., Ltd. filed multiple applications for “Fat Yonghui” trademark registration. International classifications include bed sheets, chemical raw materials, transportation and storage, etc. The above trademarks are currently registered.
Xiabu Xiabu Group launches new sub-brand “Xia Steak”
36Kr learned that Xiabu Xiabu Group recently announced a cross-border layout in the steak market and launched a new sub-brand “Xia Steak”. The first store will open on February 6th in Longde Square in Changping City, Beijing.
Investment and financing:
OpenAI and Gates Foundation invest $50 million in medical AI in Africa
On January 20, local time, OpenAI announced the launch of a pilot project, Horizon 1000, in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, with the aim of supporting medical leaders in Rwanda and other African countries and promoting the application of artificial intelligence in the medical field. The Gates Foundation and OpenAI will jointly invest $50 million in funding, technology, and professional support to reach 1,000 major healthcare institutions and their surrounding communities by 2028. (Jiemian)
Today’s view:
Microsoft CEO Nadella: The core of the AI era is not a single model, but model orchestration and computing power factories
During the World Economic Forum, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said at the USA House event that the true strategic focus in the AI era is not on having a single “foundation model,” but on thoroughly embedding computing power infrastructure, model orchestration capabilities, and enterprise knowledge. Nadella noted that one of Microsoft’s current core AI strategies is to build Azure into a large-scale “token factory.” As AI applications are fully deployed, the demand for computing power is increasing exponentially. Cloud service providers must have the ability to build heterogeneous infrastructure clusters, improve utilization through software, and reduce total cost of ownership. (Sina Financial)
Other notable news:
Guangdong Province: Helping cities steadily and orderly open multi-scenario road test applications for autonomous driving and expand the application field of high-level autonomous driving
36Kr has learned that the General Administration of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province announced several policy measures towards the development of high-quality transportation using artificial intelligence in Guangdong Province, and mentioned strengthening the pilot application of intelligent connected vehicles. Companies are encouraged to conduct research on core technologies such as end-to-end remote driving cockpits, intelligent decision-making, accurate prediction and control, and innovative product research and development, and build high-quality datasets, tool chains, and algorithm libraries to facilitate the implementation and application of large-scale autonomous driving models. Cities that qualify are encouraged to consider building autonomous driving monitoring platforms. Conditional free trade areas and administrative regions will be supported to take the initiative in promoting mutual recognition of pilot applications of intelligent connected vehicles. All cities are supported to steadily and orderly publish multi-scenario road test applications for autonomous driving and expand the application field of high-level autonomous driving.
The output value of China’s film industry chain exceeded 810 billion yuan last year
The National Film Bureau announced the information on the 21st. According to incomplete statistics, the production value of China’s entire film industry chain in 2025 will reach 817.259 billion yuan, and the box office revenue traction coefficient will be about 1:15.77, both of which rank among the top in the world. According to the careful calculations of the relevant research group co-founded by the China Film Archive and the Institute of Industrial Economics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, taking into account factors such as the 5th National Economic Census, changes in the number of film industry enterprises, changes in the scale of performances, and the ripple effects of the industry chain, the output value of China’s entire film industry chain reached 817.259 billion yuan in 2025. (CCTV News)
