Microsoft plans Shanghai research house

Microsoft Corp plans to set up an arm of its Asian research house in Shanghai this year, fueling the city's ambition for a digital upgrade and new artificial intelligence talent.

The announcement was made by Harry Shum, Microsoft's executive vice-president, during the 2018 World Artificial Intelligence Conference on Monday.

"Shanghai is home to many leading companies that leverage Microsoft's cloud computing offerings and AI technologies," he said at a keynote speech during the inaugural meeting held in the city.

"We have carried out extensive collaboration with top research institutions and startup firms in the city, and we strive to create an open ecosystem that helps drive innovation."

The Shanghai establishment marks an R&D extension, after the tech giant established its fundamental research body, the Microsoft Research Asia, in Beijing two decades ago.

On the same occasion, Shum unveiled four Microsoft partnerships with companies like Eli Lilly and Lingang Group in areas like smart medicine, industrial parks, home solutions and finance.