BEIJING — As China pushes aggressively into artificial intelligence under its latest five-year plan, a mix of tech giants and specialized startups is reshaping the global landscape. With over 6,000 AI firms and a core industry scale exceeding 1.2 trillion yuan ($171 billion) in 2025, the country is closing gaps with U.S. rivals through cost-efficient models, domestic chip breakthroughs and widespread adoption.

The 2025 Hurun China Artificial Intelligence Enterprises Top 50 highlighted a seismic shift: AI chip companies claimed seven of the top 10 spots, underscoring Beijing’s drive for self-reliance amid U.S. export curbs. Cambricon topped the list with a 630 billion yuan valuation, followed by GPU makers Moore Threads and MetaX. Yet consumer-facing giants and large language model (LLM) developers continue to dominate applications, from chatbots to autonomous systems.

Here are 10 leading AI companies in China making waves in 2026, ranked by a blend of market impact, innovation, valuation and recent performance:

1. Cambricon Technologies The Beijing-based chipmaker leads China’s AI hardware push as the “Nvidia of China.” Its revenue surged 43-fold in the first half of 2025, powering everything from data centers to edge devices. Cambricon’s processors are central to national computing power goals, which hit 1,590 EFLOPS. With strong government ties and Beijing’s 19 companies on the Hurun list, it remains the valuation king at 630 billion yuan. Analysts see it as pivotal for reducing dependence on foreign semiconductors.
2. Alibaba Group Alibaba has evolved from e-commerce leader into an AI infrastructure powerhouse. Its Qwen series, including the latest Qwen3 models, ranks among the world’s top open-source LLMs, excelling in multimodal tasks, reasoning and agentic AI. Qwen leads in cost-efficiency and adoption, with Alibaba Cloud serving as the backbone for enterprise deployments. Heavy R&D investment — 67 billion yuan — fuels cloud AI, smart e-commerce and accessible tools. In 2026, Alibaba eyes agentic breakthroughs and global developer ecosystems.
3. Baidu A pioneer in Chinese AI, Baidu integrates search, cloud and autonomous driving. Its ERNIE 5.0 model topped domestic leaderboards with massive parameter counts, while Apollo robotaxis advance commercialization. Kunlunxin chips complement its full-stack approach. Despite competition, Baidu’s ecosystem reach and March 2026 Player of the Month-style model updates keep it competitive. It allocated significant funds for Lunar New Year promotions of its Ernie chatbot.
4. Huawei Huawei’s Ascend 910 series AI chips and Pangu models power industrial and government applications. Facing sanctions, the company scaled domestic production aggressively, aiming for hundreds of thousands of units. HarmonyOS integration and cloud services amplify its stack. Huawei leads in “AI+” initiatives for manufacturing and smart infrastructure, aligning with national self-reliance goals. Its parallel computing push positions it for embodied AI and robotics growth.
5. ByteDance The TikTok parent leverages its content empire for consumer AI dominance. Doubao, its chatbot, hit 100 million daily active users during the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday, winning the “AI red envelope” marketing war with generous subsidies. Proprietary Seed models excel in video generation and recommendation systems. ByteDance invests heavily in content AI while eyeing Southeast Asia expansion. Its closed-source strategy contrasts with open-source rivals but drives user engagement.
6. Tencent WeChat’s operator embeds Hunyuan LLMs across messaging, gaming and social platforms. Though sometimes seen as trailing in frontier models, Tencent poured billions into AI infrastructure and reorganized teams for better training and data systems. Its ecosystem serves over 1 billion users, enabling seamless agentic AI integration. Investments in computer vision via stakes like SenseTime bolster its portfolio. Tencent doubled down on promotions during holidays to boost adoption.
7. Zhipu AI This Beijing LLM specialist earned praise as “the world’s first publicly listed LLM company” after its Hong Kong IPO. GLM models, including GLM-5 updates, top open-source leaderboards in creative writing, programming and reasoning. Backed by major investors, Zhipu focuses on foundational models for language, voice and multimedia. Its rapid rise reflects the youth of China’s AI sector — average company age just 12 years on the Hurun list.
8. Moonshot AI Founded in 2023, Moonshot quickly became a unicorn with Kimi models emphasizing long-context understanding and agent coordination. Its K2.5 release claimed strengths in multimodal tasks. Heavy funding from Alibaba, Tencent and others fueled growth. Moonshot represents the new wave of agile startups challenging incumbents with efficient, high-performance models tailored for complex reasoning.
9. SenseTime A veteran in computer vision, SenseTime powers facial recognition, smart cities and autonomous tech. Its SenseNova platform expands into generative AI and enterprise solutions. Despite past challenges, ongoing investments and applications in urban traffic, surveillance and healthcare keep it influential. SenseTime benefits from China’s “AI+” push into real-world infrastructure.
10. iFlytek The speech and natural language processing leader evolves with its Spark Big Model. iFlytek excels in voice AI for education, translation and accessibility. Ranked high on valuation lists at around 130 billion yuan, it bridges traditional strengths with modern LLMs. Its technology supports broad adoption in public services and consumer devices amid national AI integration goals.

Other notable mentions include MiniMax (strong IPO performance and video models), DeepSeek (cost-efficient open-source breakthroughs), Moore Threads and MetaX (GPU leaders), and startups like Baichuan AI and StepFun. Beijing dominates with 19 firms on the Hurun list, followed by Shanghai.

China’s AI momentum stems from massive state support, including the “AI+” initiative and the 15th Five-Year Plan’s emphasis on breakthroughs in chips, quantum tech and humanoid robots. Domestic computing power surged, with policies favoring local chips in data centers. Companies race to ship model updates, as seen in pre-Lunar New Year pushes for GLM-5, M2.2 and others.

Challenges persist: U.S. restrictions spur innovation but raise costs; many startups remain unprofitable despite high valuations and IPO surges in Hong Kong. Agentic AI, multimodal models and embodied intelligence represent the next frontier, with Chinese firms claiming strong positions in global rankings for efficiency and adoption.

Voters and analysts note the sector’s vibrancy. While Cambricon and chip firms lead hardware valuations, platform giants like Alibaba, ByteDance and Tencent drive daily usage through super-apps. Open-source efforts from Alibaba’s Qwen and others boost global influence, even as some shift toward closed models for monetization.

As 2026 unfolds, China’s AI companies are not just catching up — they are redefining competition through scale, speed and integration into the real economy. From factory floors to consumer phones, AI is becoming foundational infrastructure. The top 10, and dozens more, position China to lead in applied AI even as frontier research remains fiercely contested globally.

The coming years will test whether hardware self-sufficiency and ecosystem depth can translate into sustained leadership. For now, the surge continues, fueled by policy, capital and relentless iteration.

The shares of Tata Chemicals and Tata Investment Corporation have rallied sharply recently, amid renewed buzz around the prospective IPO of Tata Sons, which has now received backing from some key trustees of the Tata Trusts board. Analysts, however, note that while the rally in one stock is simply sentiment-driven, the similar jump in another is more grounded.

Tata Investment Corporation shares rallied more than 19% in five days, closing at Rs 709 apiece on Monday. Tata Chemicals shares, meanwhile, gained over 12% in five days to settle at Rs 715 apiece yesterday.

Tata Sons IPO soon?

Tata Trusts trustee and former Defence Secretary Vijay Singh has called for the listing of Tata Sons on the stock exchanges through its IPO, after TVS Group’s Venu Srinivasan publicly supported the move, The Indian Express reported. Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry also backed the case for listing Tata Sons, calling it a “necessary revolution” rather than a regulatory compulsion.The sharp rally in the two Tata Group companies following renewed interest around prospective Tata Sons IPO is not new. Markets have seen similar rallies in the past as well, with the rally soon losing steam as optimism evaporated. Harshal Dasani, Business Head at INVasset PMS, noted that markets have historically priced in optionality around a potential Tata Sons IPO well ahead of any concrete announcement. “In the past too, similar speculative runs have seen sharp reversals once timelines remained uncertain,” he said.

Fundamentally, Tata Investment Corporation remains a pure play on Tata group valuations, trading at a discount or premium depending on sentiment, while Tata Chemicals is an operating business with exposure to soda ash, specialty chemicals and agri inputs, according to Dasani. “This makes the latter relatively more grounded from an earnings visibility standpoint, especially as global soda ash prices have shown signs of stabilisation after a weak FY25,” he added.

Technical view

From a technical perspective, the analyst feels that Tata Chemicals appears to be in a relatively stronger setup. “The stock has seen a more gradual accumulation pattern, with improving momentum and better support levels, indicating institutional participation rather than purely speculative flows. In contrast, Tata Investment Corporation tends to witness sharp, sentiment-driven spikes with higher volatility, making it less predictable for positional trades,” he said.Tata Chemicals offers a better risk-reward balance for investors, given its underlying business strength combined with potential upside from group-level triggers, according to Dasani. “Tata Investment Corporation, while attractive during early cycle rerating, is better suited for tactical rather than structural allocation,” he added.

What should investors do?

Jigar S. Patel, Senior Manager of Equity Technical Research at Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers, however cautioned that the sharp rally in Tata Chemicals may be losing steam now after a sharp runup. “A hidden bearish divergence is visible on the daily RSI, indicating weakening momentum despite higher prices. This suggests that the uptrend may be losing strength in the near term,” he said.

The analyst cited the Tata Chemicals’ intraday fall of nearly 8% from its intraday high of Rs 774 to its closing level. Hence, the analyst advised traders to lock in profits on any bounce. He sees immediate support near Rs 676 apiece, while resistance is placed at around Rs 774 apiece.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Planning for retirement through mutual funds has become a preferred route for many investors, especially those relying on systematic investment plans (SIPs) with gradual step-ups. However, questions around fund selection, portfolio allocation, and the impact of rising assets under management (AUM) often create confusion. A recent query highlights how investors can navigate these concerns while staying focused on long-term goals.

The same is the case with Kumari Geeta, an art teacher from Delhi and a viewer of The Money Show on ET Now, who has been investing regularly through SIPs across categories including midcap, smallcap, and flexicap funds.

Also Read | Mutual fund cash levels drop 12% to Rs 1.86 lakh crore, hit 16-month low in March amid aggressive equity buying

Her monthly investments include Rs 6,000 in Edelweiss Midcap Fund, Rs 4,000 in Nippon India Small Cap Fund, and Rs 5,000 in Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund. She also plans to start a Rs 3,000 SIP in Bandhan Small Cap Fund and has exposure to precious metal-based ETFs. Alongside, she contributes Rs 10,000 per month to PPF, with a total mutual fund portfolio of around Rs 1 lakh.

Her primary concern revolves around the rising size of the Nippon India Small Cap Fund. The scheme is currently the largest fund in the smallcap funds category, with an AUM of Rs 61,808 crore as of March 31, 2026. She worries that the growing size may impact the fund’s ability to generate strong returns going forward.

Addressing this, financial expert Harshvardhan Roongta noted that such concerns are partly valid. In the smallcap space, deploying large amounts of money can be challenging due to limited high-quality investment opportunities and relatively smaller company sizes. Large inflows into a single stock can significantly move prices, making it harder for fund managers to maintain performance consistency.
“Yes, so, her concern regarding investing in the Nippon Smallcap is that the scheme’s AUM has become very large. So, she assumes and, believes that it is difficult for the fund manager to generate returns. So, the AUM currently is about Rs 67,000 to 68,000 crore,” the expert said.
“Now to a certain extent I would agree with her because in the smallcap, in a pure smallcap fund to find opportunities to invest and deploy money can get challenging given that the number of companies that a fund manager would ideally want to pick in that category would be very limited and the size being smaller,” the expert further said.
That said, he emphasised that while Geeta may consider redirecting fresh SIPs to another smallcap fund like Bandhan Small Cap, there is no need to exit her existing investments in Nippon India Small Cap Fund. The scheme remains a strong performer in its category, and staying invested allows her to benefit from its long-term potential.

“All the accumulated corpus in the Nippon Smallcap she can leave it as it is, it is a brilliant scheme within the category, so you do not need to make switches onto the existing accumulated fund value of the Nippon Smallcap,” the expert commented on Nippon India Small Cap Fund.

Also Read | Small, mid and largecap mutual funds see sharp inflow surge in March. Is investor confidence rising?

On the broader portfolio strategy, Geeta plans to invest Rs 16,000 monthly after adjustments and increase her SIP amount by 5% every year. Assuming a 12% annual return over a 15-year period, this disciplined approach could help her build a corpus of around Rs 1 crore.

Without the annual step-up, the estimated corpus would be closer to Rs 80 lakh, highlighting the significant impact of increasing contributions over time.

However, Roongta cautioned that a Rs 1 crore target may not be sufficient for retirement after 15 years due to inflation. Investors need to account for the future value of money and reassess whether their target corpus aligns with their long-term financial needs.

Overall, the case underscores the importance of balancing portfolio diversification with realistic expectations. While tactical changes such as redirecting SIPs can help optimise returns, staying invested in well-performing funds and maintaining a disciplined, step-up strategy remains key to achieving long-term financial goals.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

If you have any mutual fund queries, message on ET Mutual Funds on Facebook/Twitter. We will get it answered by our panel of experts. Do share your questions on ETMFqueries@timesinternet.in along with your age, risk profile, and twitter handle.

LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani absorbed a painful hit-by-pitch squarely on his left shoulder Tuesday night but stayed in the game and helped the Los Angeles Dodgers secure another victory, easing immediate fears about the superstar’s availability in what has been a strong start to the 2026 season.

The incident occurred during the Dodgers’ contest against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. With Ohtani leading off an inning, a two-strike pitch from the Mets starter caught him on the shoulder, drawing audible groans from the crowd and prompting trainers to rush out. Ohtani grimaced, shook his arm and briefly walked toward the dugout before waving off further attention and remaining in the lineup.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed postgame that Ohtani was sore but passed all immediate tests. X-rays were negative, and the two-way star is considered day-to-day with bruising and contusion rather than any structural damage. Ohtani went 2-for-4 with an RBI in the Dodgers’ win, showing no visible limitations at the plate or on the bases afterward.

The moment quickly went viral, with highlight clips circulating widely on social media within minutes. Fans expressed concern given Ohtani’s history of shoulder issues, including the partial dislocation he suffered during the 2024 World Series that required arthroscopic surgery.

Context of the HBP

This marks the latest physical test for Ohtani, who has battled through elbow and shoulder setbacks in recent years but has emerged as one of baseball’s most dominant forces when healthy. In 2026, he continues to excel both at the plate and on the mound, making any injury scare particularly noteworthy for the defending champions.

Roberts noted the pitch appeared to get away from the pitcher but stopped short of calling it intentional. No warnings were issued immediately, and the game continued without further incident between the benches. Ohtani, known for his stoic demeanor, downplayed the hit afterward, saying through an interpreter that it was “just part of baseball” and that he felt fine swinging the bat later in the contest.

Ohtani’s Resilience This Season

Despite the shoulder scare, Ohtani has been a bright spot for the Dodgers early in 2026. His power, speed and pitching outings have kept Los Angeles among the top teams in the National League. The club has managed his workload carefully to preserve his two-way capabilities, a strategy that has paid dividends after previous injury-plagued campaigns.

Medical experts watching the play suggested the padding in modern uniforms and Ohtani’s quick reaction likely prevented a more serious injury. Shoulder contusions can cause short-term discomfort and reduced range of motion, but most players return within a few days unless deeper damage is found.

The Dodgers plan to monitor Ohtani closely over the next 24-48 hours. He is expected to be in the lineup for Wednesday’s series finale unless soreness worsens overnight. Roberts emphasized the organization’s cautious approach with its franchise player but expressed optimism.

Broader Impact on Dodgers and MLB

Ohtani’s durability remains a key storyline as the Dodgers chase another championship. The team’s depth has been tested by various injuries this season, making the superstar’s health even more critical. Fans and analysts alike breathed a collective sigh of relief when Ohtani stayed in and contributed offensively after the HBP.

This incident also highlights ongoing discussions around player safety and pitch command in today’s game. With velocity at historic highs, hit-by-pitches have increased league-wide, prompting calls for better protective gear and stricter enforcement of intentional beanings.

For the Mets, the pitch added to a frustrating night as they struggled against the Dodgers’ potent lineup. The rivalry between the clubs, while not as heated as some NL matchups, always carries extra intensity when superstars like Ohtani are involved.

Looking Ahead

As one of the most marketable and talented players in baseball, any Ohtani injury scare generates worldwide attention. Social media reactions ranged from concern to memes about his superhuman ability to shake off pain. The 31-year-old Japanese icon has built a reputation for playing through discomfort, much like his idol, Babe Ruth.

The Dodgers will provide daily updates on Ohtani’s condition. If he misses time, it would likely be minimal, given the non-contact nature of the injury and his rapid recovery from past ailments.

Tuesday’s game itself was another showcase for Los Angeles pitching and timely hitting. Justin Wrobleski or another starter delivered strong innings, while the bullpen closed it out efficiently. Ohtani’s presence, even after getting plunked, provided a psychological boost to his teammates.

Baseball’s grind means such moments are inevitable, but for a player of Ohtani’s caliber, every health update is scrutinized. For now, the Dodgers and their fans can exhale — the shoulder appears bruised but not broken, and the two-way phenomenon remains ready to dominate.

As the season progresses, Ohtani’s ability to stay on the field will be pivotal. Tuesday’s HBP served as a reminder of the physical toll even the game’s brightest stars endure, yet also of his remarkable resilience. Dodgers Nation will be watching closely when he steps to the plate again Wednesday night.

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SYDNEY — After months of soaring vocals, emotional journeys and fierce competition, Australia will discover its next singing sensation on Tuesday night as the Australian Idol 2026 winner is announced live during the grand finale on Channel 7 and 7plus.

The two-night climax begins with a high-stakes performance show on Monday, April 13, followed by the results and coronation on Tuesday, April 14, both starting at 7:30 p.m. AEST. The Top 3 finalists — Kalani Artis, Harlan Goode and Kesha Oayda — will battle for the title, a life-changing recording contract, cash prize and career-launching opportunities.

The 2026 season, which premiered on February 2, has been praised as one of the strongest in recent years, delivering standout talent and memorable moments. Tonight’s results show will feature guest performances from Australian music icons, including Anthony Callea and Vanessa Amorosi, adding extra star power to the Coliseum venue in Rooty Hill.

Meet the Final Three

Kalani Artis, the 23-year-old landscaper from NSW’s Central Coast, captured hearts early with his vulnerable audition of Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn,” widely regarded as the season’s best performance. His consistent growth through the competition, blending raw emotion with strong vocals, has made him a viewer favorite.

Harlan Goode, the 18-year-old from Brisbane, brings youthful energy and showmanship. Known for powerful interpretations and stage presence, he has impressed judges with his ability to tackle diverse genres and deliver standout moments week after week.

Kesha Oayda, the 21-year-old from Jindabyne, represents soulful depth and resilience. Her emotive deliveries and connection with audiences have earned her strong support, particularly in ballad rounds.

All three finalists will perform multiple times across the two nights, including a winner’s single reveal for the eventual champion. Voting, open throughout the performance show, closes early on Tuesday, with results determined by public votes.

A Season of Breakthroughs

Australian Idol 2026 has stood out for its depth of talent and emotional storytelling. From the Top 12 through to the Top 3, contestants tackled themed weeks including Heroes and Tributes, delivering performances that resonated with viewers navigating their own challenges.

Judges Marcia Hines, Amy Shark and Kyle Sandilands have been vocal about the high calibre this year. Hines described the final three as “world-class,” while Sandilands noted the difficulty in predicting a winner given the strength of the field.

The season has also boosted careers beyond the main prize. Many eliminated contestants have gained significant followings, with several securing recording deals, touring opportunities and social media growth. The show’s return to Seven has revitalized the franchise, drawing strong audiences and reigniting national conversations about homegrown talent.

What the Winner Takes Home

The 2026 Australian Idol will receive a comprehensive prize package designed to launch a sustainable music career:

• A recording contract with a major label
• $100,000 cash prize
• Management and promotional support
• Performance slots at major events including the ARIA Awards
• Professional development opportunities

Past winners have used the platform to build lasting careers, with several achieving chart success and international recognition. This year’s victor enters a music industry transformed by streaming and social media, offering more pathways than ever before.

How to Watch and Vote

Tune in to Channel 7 or stream live on 7plus for both nights. Voting is via text or the 7plus app, with limits applying to ensure fair play. Early arrival on the app is recommended to avoid technical issues during peak voting periods.

For those unable to watch live, episodes will be available on demand shortly after broadcast, though results will be widely spoiled across social media.

Cultural Significance

Australian Idol remains one of the country’s most influential talent shows, having launched stars like Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy and more. The 2026 edition arrives at a time when Australian music is thriving globally, with artists dominating charts and festivals.

The grand finale represents more than crowning a winner — it celebrates the power of music to unite, inspire and transform lives. For the three finalists, these final performances mark the culmination of years of dedication and the beginning of professional journeys.

As Australia tunes in tonight, anticipation is at fever pitch. Will Kalani’s emotional authenticity prevail, Harlan’s star power shine through, or Kesha’s soulful voice capture the crown? One thing is certain: by the end of Tuesday’s broadcast, a new Australian Idol will be born.

The winner announcement on April 14, 2026, will mark the end of an unforgettable season and the start of what many hope will be a bright new chapter for homegrown musical talent. Don’t miss it — television history could be made live on your screens.