Chinese OpenAI challenger Zhipu to unveil new open-source model

Chinese AI startups have in recent months raced to release new open-source models

Zhipu is releasing its biggest open-source model to date, joining a growing number of Chinese firms ramping up their free artificial intelligence offerings.

The startup will release GLM-4.5, an update to its flagship model, as soon as Monday, according to a person familiar with the plan. It’s trying to take on OpenAI globally as it looks to stake out a spot in a burgeoning industry and set standards for future advancements.

Zhipu, which recently renamed itself Z.ai in English, didn’t respond to an email requesting comment.

Chinese AI startups have in recent months raced to release new open-source models. Moonshot open-sourced its Kimi K2 offering, while StepFun also announced a non-proprietary version of its latest reasoning model.

Bloomberg News reported this month that Zhipu is considering shifting its planned initial public offering to Hong Kong from mainland China. The firm, whose backers include Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd., is working with financial advisers on a potential first-time share sale that could raise about $300 million.