OpenLedger has introduced OpenCircle, a US$25 million incubator designed to support developers, researchers, and Web3 communities in China.

The program targets developers, researchers, and communities building composable, interoperable, and accountable AI applications.

To promote OpenCircle, OpenLedger held a multi-city roadshow across Hangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chengdu.

Participants, including universities and government reps, gained early access to applications, technical tools, and workshops.

OpenCircle lets developers train and deploy AI models on blockchain to ensure transparency and on-chain attribution.

The initiative supports China’s push for decentralized and trustworthy AI development.

Local collaborations in Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Hong Kong are reportedly discussing opportunities for the first round of funding.

OpenLedger sees OpenCircle as a move toward building a transparent, community-owned AI ecosystem.

🔗 Source: OpenLedger

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ China’s long-term strategic commitment to blockchain and AI

OpenCircle’s launch aligns with China’s established national strategy that dates back to at least 2017, when AI was officially designated as a core technology for enhancing national competitiveness in the “New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan” 1.

This plan set specific milestones: by 2020, China aimed to align with global AI standards; by 2025, establish AI as a driving force for industrial transformation; and by 2030, become the world’s leading AI innovation center 1.

Similarly, blockchain technology was included in China’s 13th Five-Year Plan, with President Xi Jinping specifically emphasizing blockchain, AI, and IoT as critical for global innovation leadership 2.

The commitment extends beyond policy to implementation, with the Chinese State Council actively supporting these technologies and Chinese entities holding two-thirds of blockchain-related patents globally 2.

This consistent, long-term national strategy creates a fertile environment for initiatives like OpenCircle, which can leverage China’s deep talent pools while operating within the country’s strategic technology framework.