Shanghai-based startup plans 50,000 centers

Shanghai-based Squirrel AI Learning plans to continue expansion after the pandemic by opening 50,000 centers nationwide within next five years, almost 20 times the current number, the artificial intelligence startup said on Monday. 

The aim is to use artificial intelligence technologies to predict students’ levels and offer customized education services, said Li Haoyang, the company's founder and chairman.

Currently, the company offers AI services in 2,700 learning centers. In the next three years, it plans to have 20,000 centers rising to 50,000 in five years. 

Founded in 2015,  the company has 1,200 employees. 

“With AI technologies, we can help students improve their level of study in an efficient way. Every student has their own adaptive education system with AI,” Li said.

The company has 180,000 paid users and an annual income of 1.2 billion yuan (US$171.4 million). The number of users is expected to hit 1.5 million within three years and 5 million in five years. 

The company, which allows all students access to advanced technologies and rich education resources with AI, will make education fairer and relatively easy, said media professional Yang Lan, who is helping to promote the company. 

Ti Gong