BEYOND Expo 2020: Former Meitu Chairman Mike Cai highlights AI integration and Web3

Former Meitu Chairman and angel investor Mike Cai gave a keynote address at the Artificial Intelligence Summit. He shared his insights about the future interaction between artificial intelligence (AI) and Web3 technologies.

Cai characterized Web3 as a paradigm change in production relationships, while describing AI as a tool to enhance productivity. “AI improves the way we work, but Web3 transforms how we organize,” Cai said. He said that AI and Web3 were not isolated trends, but were destined to be deeply integrated and mutually promote the development of each other. “Throughout history AI has driven productivity while Web3 transformed the structure of collaboration between humans. Cai stated that every phase of technological advancement shapes who we are.

Cai pointed out that earlier innovations such as carriages, ships, and machinery for more efficient work were focused on extending the human physical capabilities. However, he argued that AI marks an entirely new chapter because it replicates and enhances cognitive processes. “For the very first time, we are inventing not just hands and legs, but a brain,” he said.

Cai predicted that Web3 would bring about fundamental changes in organizational forms. “From tribes and nations, to religions and corporations – each leap has been to increase productivity. Decentralized structures may redefine the concept of company in the future.

Cai’s vision for the future is a deep integration of AI and Web3, where digital tokens will play a crucial role in pricing and incentive mechanisms. He envisaged a future where global trade could transcend national boundaries. He said that a data age of exploration could be on the horizon, which would usher in a global exchange era.

Cai ended by encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace disruptive innovation and remain skeptical of authority. “AI will challenge all we know, that’s what the biggest revelation is for founders right now,” he said.

Cai cited the AI startup DeepSeek as an example. Its founder Liang Wenfeng was successful by following a novel technical route, rather than relying upon conventional models and resources. “DeepSeek did not build on legacy systems of AI,” said Cai. “They started from scratch – and it was successful.”