Embracing AI innovation: Jin Feng's startup adventure in Japan

Jin Feng, Founder of Sparticle

This leap was driven by his foresight into the transformative potential of generative AI in Japan. He recognized the immense demand and significant market potential in Japan's AI industry, where advanced Chinese technology could provide a strong competitive edge. “Japan is emerging as a key player in the Asian AI market, making it an ideal place to incubate innovative companies. We shouldn’t miss this opportunity,” he said.

A Company Holding a Meeting Using Felo Real-Time Translation

His startup, Sparticle, specializes in generative AI technologies with applications ranging from translation to consulting. "Initially, we faced challenges in fundraising, promoting our technology, and building trust in unfamiliar markets. However, with the advent of OpenAI's tools, our performance improved significantly, allowing us to advance and expand our work," said Jin. Since then, the company has achieved remarkable success, particularly in real-time Japanese translation, and has expanded into markets in China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

The company’s focus is now on information retrieval. Take its star product, Felo Search, an AI search engine for consumers, for example. "It helps speakers both access and understand information in foreign languages. For instance, if a user asks a question in Japanese, Felo Search can perform a search in the English-speaking world and then provide the answer in Japanese," Jin said. "AI-powered search engines have leveled the playing field for information access, making high-quality information available to everyone." With the help of Large Language Models (LLM), language barriers are being broken down, making information equality across languages a reality.

Felo Chat Interface

Through his entrepreneurial journey, Jin has gained a deep understanding of the differences between the Chinese and Japanese markets. He pointed out that while Japan may be slow to adopt new products, once a product gains traction, it spreads quickly. In Japan, the focus is more on quality and building trust rather than on cutting costs or boosting efficiency. On the other hand, Chinese companies benefit from easy access to financing and strong government support for high-tech development. However, they often face a highly competitive market with many similar products. "Both markets have their unique challenges, but success in either requires a long-term vision and the patience to develop products that stand the test of time."

Jin acknowledged that there is room for improvement in generative AI, especially in specialized areas. "But with a focused knowledge base, AI can provide more accurate and industry-specific responses," he noted. He also advised the younger generation, "The future belongs to those who master AI as a fundamental tool, just like how people master the English language."

Jin Sharing His Story with Tsinghua Students

Reflecting on his time at Tsinghua, Jin emphasized that while Tsinghua’s vast alumni network has been a great support to him, the most significant impact has come from the habits and principles instilled in him. The school’s focus on lifelong learning, long-term commitment, and a forward-thinking mindset have profoundly shaped his continuous pursuit of excellence. As the company prepares for its Series A funding, the outlook for Jin’s AI ventures in Japan remains optimistic.

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TsinghuaRen | Embracing AI innovation: Jin Feng's startup adventure in Japan

Writer: Huang Ruihan 

Editors: Gillian Tang, Fang Si

Designer: Huang Ruihan

Reviewers: Chen Ken, Lin Yuan