Alibaba launches Qwen platform as 01.AI shifts focus to enterprise AI

Alibaba has officially launched its Qwen open platform, marking a strategic shift in the AI industry from competing on base model capabilities to building agent ecosystems. The platform allows third-party developers to create AI agents across mobile, PC, and AI glasses, providing complete service chains from consultation to fulfillment. Initial partners include companies in logistics, real estate, and finance, such as SF Express and Lenovo.

Simultaneously, 01.AI, the company founded by Kai-Fu Lee, announced it will gradually phase out its large model open platform services for individual users. This move is intended to refocus the company on enterprise-level AI solutions. The company will stop new user registrations and top-ups immediately, with model experiences and API calls scheduled to cease by September 3, 2026. A refund window for account balances will remain open until December 2026.