This special ChinaTalk cross-post features Zixuan Li of Z.ai (Zhipu AI), exploring the culture, incentives, and constraints shaping Chinese AI development. PSA for AI builders: Interested in alignment, governance, or AI safety? Learn more about the MATS Summer 2026 Fellowship and submit your name to be notified when applications open: https://matsprogram.org/s26-tcr. The discussion covers Z.ai's powerful GLM 4.6 model, their open weights strategy as a marketing tactic, and unique Chinese AI use cases like "role-play." Gain insights into the rapid pace of innovation, the talent market, and how Chinese companies view their position relative to global AI leaders.
Sponsors:
Google AI Studio:
Google AI Studio features a revamped coding experience to turn your ideas into reality faster than ever. Describe your app and Gemini will automatically wire up the right models and APIs for you at https://ai.studio/build
Agents of Scale:
Agents of Scale is a podcast from Zapier CEO Wade Foster, featuring conversations with C-suite leaders who are leading AI transformation. Subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts
Framer:
Framer is the all-in-one platform that unifies design, content management, and publishing on a single canvas, now enhanced with powerful AI features. Start creating for free and get a free month of Framer Pro with code COGNITIVE at https://framer.com/design
Tasklet:
Tasklet is an AI agent that automates your work 24/7; just describe what you want in plain English and it gets the job done. Try it for free and use code COGREV for 50% off your first month at https://tasklet.ai
Shopify:
Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, handling 10% of U.S. e-commerce. With hundreds of templates, AI tools for product descriptions, and seamless marketing campaign creation, it's like having a design studio and marketing team in one. Start your $1/month trial today at https://shopify.com/cognitive
PRODUCED BY:
https://aipodcast.ing
CHAPTERS:
(00:00) Sponsor: Google AI Studio
(00:31) About the Episode
(03:44) Introducing Z.AI
(07:07) Drupu AI's Backstory
(09:38) Achieving Global Recognition (Part 1)
(12:53) Sponsors: Agents of Scale | Framer
(15:15) Achieving Global Recognition (Part 2)
(15:15) Z.AI's Internal Culture
(19:17) China's AI Talent Market
(24:39) Open vs. Closed Source (Part 1)
(24:46) Sponsors: Tasklet | Shopify
(27:54) Open vs. Closed Source (Part 2)
(35:16) Enterprise Sales in China
(40:38) AI for Role-Playing
(45:56) Optimism vs. Fear of AI
(51:36) Translating Internet Culture
(57:11) Navigating Compute Constraints
(01:03:59) Future Model Directions
(01:15:02) Release Velocity & Work Culture
(01:25:04) Outro
