24-Hour AI News: Quantum AI Consortium Launches, CSU Full System Updates, EU Regulation Tightens Further

Over the past 24 hours, domestic attention has focused on the establishment of the "Quantum Artificial Intelligence Consortium" and the implementation of manufacturing application scenarios. Overseas, the EU's new regulations on financial data openness, which prioritize "giants," the California State University system-wide deployment of AI learning tools, and the heated discussion surrounding AI employment and resource consumption have resulted in a generally balanced flow of information both domestically and internationally.

1. Shanghai Establishes Quantum Artificial Intelligence Consortium and Releases Top Ten Application Scenarios for Quantum Computing

1. On September 21, the Shanghai Quantum Artificial Intelligence Consortium and the Quantum Technology Equipment Industry Innovation Alliance announced their establishment. The consortium comprises 12 research institutions and several companies.
2. On the same day, the "Top Ten Application Scenarios for Quantum Computing" were released, planning collaborative research in basic theory, key technologies, and key applications over the next five years.
3. This initiative aligns with the Shanghai Quantum Computing Action Plan and is seen as a milestone in the intersection of quantum computing and large-scale models.

II. Anhui Province Releases First Batch of 18 "Artificial Intelligence + Manufacturing" Integrated Application Scenario Projects

1. Announced on September 20th and disclosed on September 21st, the first batch involves new energy, equipment manufacturing, and other areas, clarifying specific integration needs on the enterprise side.
2. As part of the special activities of the 2025 World Manufacturing Conference, it emphasizes the transition from "pilot demonstration" to "replicable and scalable."
3. It provides an actionable list for local "AI + Industry" initiatives, which is expected to drive more city and county-level scenario bidding and supply-demand matching.

III. China Academy of Information and Communications Technology Announces AI Industry Conference to be held in Beijing from September 23rd to 25th

1. Conference information will be released on September 21st, and the "Xingzhi Cup" National Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Application Competition will be held concurrently.
2. Topics cover large models, intelligent agents, industrial AI, and computing infrastructure, targeting a closed-loop integration of "industry, academia, research, and application."
3. Provide a window into the direction of domestic AI industry policies and technology routes in the second half of the year.

Fourth, Pujiang Innovation Forum focuses on "AI Empowering Materials Science"

1. At the forum on September 21, several academicians and experts shared the latest progress and cases in AI-driven new materials research and development.
2. Emphasize the accelerating role of data and simulation in material design and performance prediction.
3. The urgent demand for high-strength, lightweight, and high-temperature resistant materials on the industrial side may become an important breakthrough for AI + hard technology.

V. China-ASEAN Expo: Launch of Joint Innovation Action on Meteorological AI Models

1. It was disclosed on September 21 that China and ASEAN institutions launched a joint innovation action on meteorological AI models, focusing on typhoon and severe convection warnings.
2. The meeting also introduced the progress of the application of geological disaster early warning systems in Laos.
3. Compared to the previous "AI Pavilion" exhibition, this one represents a substantial upgrade in cross-border public security scenarios.

Six. The EU intends to exclude US tech giants from the FiDA financial data access framework.

1. Reports on September 21st indicated that the EU is leaning toward excluding large platforms such as Meta, Apple, Google, and Amazon from access in negotiations on financial data access (FiDA) rules.
2. The intention is to support the local fintech ecosystem and "digital sovereignty," with the final text expected to be finalized in the fall.
3. It will have a direct impact on the implementation path and data availability of generative AI in financial risk management, personalized wealth management, and other areas.

Seven. Sam Altman stated that "customer service positions will be the first to be replaced by AI," reigniting the discussion on employment structure.

1. An interview broadcast on September 21st indicated that highly standardized and process-oriented positions such as customer service will be the first to be affected, followed by some programming and support jobs.
2. Positions related to "complex human interaction and creativity" are relatively secure, but require accelerated skills transformation.
3. In the short term, this may drive customer service automation penetration and cost structure adjustments for businesses.

VIII. British public opinion focuses on AI energy and water consumption, and the government is accused of ignoring its negative impacts.

1. A September 21st analysis indicated that the economic benefits of generative AI may lag in becoming apparent, while data center water and electricity consumption issues are emerging first.
2. The report cited research indicating that the average water and energy consumption required to complete a single AI assistant prompt request presents a quantifiable burden.
3. Policymakers are advised to consider energy and water resources simultaneously with AI infrastructure planning.

IX. California State University (CSU) Promotes System-wide AI Learning Tools to 23 Campuses

1. A September 21st report announced that CSU will roll out AI learning and teaching tools (including ChatGPT Edu) to all 23 universities. 2. Covering approximately 460,000 students and 63,000 faculty and staff, the program aims to improve AI literacy and teaching efficiency. 3. System-wide deployment in education is seen as a large-scale demonstration of "AI + higher education," and cost, privacy, and academic integrity will be key considerations. 10. Foreign Media: Zuckerberg Says He "Would Rather Misinvest Hundreds of Billions of Dollars Than Miss the AI Moment." 1. On September 21st, multiple media outlets relayed his views on the "AI Bubble," stating that despite the risk of a bubble, he would continue to invest heavily in computing power and data centers. 2. These statements reaffirm his long-term bet on "superintelligence" and computing power development this year. 3. The market faces a dual dilemma of unprecedented investment intensity and uncertain returns. Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A) Q: What is the immediate significance of the establishment of the Quantum Artificial Intelligence Consortium? A: First, it aims to organize and coordinate research on quantum computing and large models/intelligent agents (12 institutions are collaborating). Second, it aims to clarify key research directions based on "Ten Scenarios." Third, it aims to provide a framework for talent and industrialization over a five-year period (released on September 21st). Q: How will the EU's "exclusion of large platforms" from FiDA impact AI? A: Restricting large platforms' direct access to financial data will raise compliance barriers and data costs. This will benefit local fintech and explainable AI risk management vendors, but may slow the interoperability and scalability of cross-border AI financial services (September 21st negotiation report). Q: What are the key figures and highlights of the CSU system-wide introduction of AI tools? A: Covering 23 campuses, approximately 460,000 students, and 63,000 faculty and staff; with the goal of "AI literacy + teaching efficiency," it is expected to see structural improvements in course support, homework feedback, and teaching and research efficiency, but this requires supporting academic integrity and privacy governance (September 21st report).

Q: Why are customer service positions considered the first to be impacted by AI?

A: Customer service tasks are highly standardized, process-oriented, and highly adaptable to multiple channels (text/voice). Companies have already achieved a high degree of automation in query, routing, and FAQ scenarios. As multimodality and search enhancements mature, the replacement rate will continue to rise (interview report on September 21).