As artificial intelligence continues to make rapid strides, a pressing question emerges: Can it truly understand human emotions beyond mere functionality? In Hangzhou, east China, one entrepreneur is determined to make this vision a reality. However, innovation rarely comes without challenges. Wang Tianyu brings us the story. 

"We are using AI to simulate different personalities."

36-year-old Wang Jinpeng is an idealistic entrepreneur. He and his team are working to create a utopian world where people can discover and control a virtual version of themselves through their phones. 

WANG JINPENG Founder, Hangzhou Qianzhen Digital Technology "Currently, everyone's demand for generative AI is focused on functionality, but after this phase, people's needs will inevitably shift from functionality to the emotional side of the individual. What we aim to do is give AI emotions."

Mr. Wang was once a college teacher. After ChatGPT made waves globally in 2023, he and his friends decided to seize the opportunity and start their own business. But the journey has had its ups and downs. The biggest challenge?

"Lack of capital."

Fortunately, the capital problem was quickly resolved, as the company is based in Hangzhou's High-tech Zone (Binjiang), where high-tech startups enjoy various types of financial support, including funding rewards, loan interest reimbursements, and years of free rent.

"The total amount of subsidies we've received so far is around two million yuan (around $276,000)."

"You need to be in good shape to be an entrepreneur, right?"

"Yes, exactly. The healthier you are, the longer you can stick with it."

Wang's company didn't begin in this bright, cozy office, but in a shared working space – more of a startup hub.

"It's all entrepreneurs here. The atmosphere is great for starting a business. I met many friends here, and a lot of their programs were AI related. They shared a lot of industry insights with me."

"This was our working space. The four of us sat in these four spots."

Well, he probably spent more time in the coffee shop next to this room.

"I still like it the same as before. It still has the same flavor."

"I see this coffee shop is called 'Startup Coffee'."

"Yes, it is. Everyone here is an entrepreneur."

In addition to being a café, it also serves as a roadshow venue. The hub holds roadshow events every week. When we did our presentation, I stood here with my business plan displayed on the screen, holding a pen, introducing our program to the investors sitting down there. Sometimes the audience was large, about 40 or 50 people, and sometimes small – only seven or eight.

Wang used to love sitting in his favorite window seat every afternoon for peaceful moments. Looking out the window, all those memories come rushing back.

"That was such a happy time. It was just the four of us, with nothing, but we were constantly brainstorming, trying to find a way that both suited our interests and met market demand. It was tough, but so fulfilling. Every day felt enjoyable. I really loved the entrepreneurial journey, doing what I love was incredibly exciting."

Wang Tianyu, CGTN, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.