The Comeback of China's Tech Visionary

Nine years after stepping away from public life, Chen Tianqiao has reemerged with a vision that could reshape artificial intelligence. The founder who once dominated China's gaming industry now sets his sights on an even bigger challenge: cracking the code of human consciousness.

From Virtual Worlds to Consciousness Exploration

At 31, Chen became China's youngest billionaire by creating the wildly popular "Legend of Mir" online game. Now approaching his late 50s, he's traded virtual swords for neural networks. "We're not just building better chatbots," Chen explains from his California home. "We're creating intelligence that can discover what humans cannot."

His prediction? Future history books will mark time differently: "BC and AC won't mean Before Christ and After Christ - they'll mean Before ChatGPT and After ChatGPT."

The $2 Billion Gamble on Discovery AI

Chen's new venture focuses on what he terms "Discovery AI," distinct from current large language models:

• Beyond Imitation: While most AI replicates human patterns, Discovery AI aims for original breakthroughs
• Predictive Power: The system integrates memory, reasoning and modeling to forecast complex events like natural disasters
• Real-World Impact: Potential applications range from pharmaceutical discoveries to financial market predictions

The ambitious project comes with equally bold funding - Chen has committed over $2 billion from his personal fortune.

Powering Innovation with Geothermal Energy

The scale of Chen's vision requires massive computing resources. His solution? Transforming 700,000 acres of forest land into geothermal-powered data centers:

• Locations span Oregon and Ontario
• Planned investment: $300-$500 million in pilot facilities
• Goal: Provide clean energy infrastructure for global AI researchers "Profitability can wait," Chen states calmly when questioned about returns. "This is about building the future."

Bridging Neuroscience and Computer Science

Chen remains deeply involved in brain-computer interface research through previous $1 billion investments. He sees neuroscience as crucial to developing true artificial general intelligence: "Current AI is like building taller ladders when we need elevators," he muses. "We must fundamentally rethink cognitive architecture."

The tech veteran dismisses talk of an AI bubble: "When humans create intelligence beyond themselves, that's not speculation - it's evolution." Regarding U.S.-China tech competition, Chen adopts a pragmatic stance: "In this game, humanity should be on the same team."

Key Points:

• Former gaming billionaire Chen Tianqiao returns with major AI ambitions
• Investing $2 billion in "Discovery AI" designed for original breakthroughs
• Converting 700,000 acres into geothermal-powered research centers
• Believes AGI requires integrating neuroscience with computer science
• Views current AI development as evolutionary rather than speculative