Beijing, September 22, 2025 – Renowned Chinese-American mathematician Terence Tao announced yesterday the first round of funding recipients for his AI Mathematics Fund, with 29 projects sharing a staggering 1.3 billion yuan (approximately $180 million USD). The news has sent shockwaves through China’s mathematics and tech communities, dominating headlines and sparking widespread enthusiasm. Experts hail this as a landmark moment, not only for integrating artificial intelligence with pure mathematics but also for boosting China’s young mathematical talent, potentially propelling the nation back to the forefront of global research.
A Fields Medalist celebrated for his groundbreaking work in harmonic analysis and partial differential equations, Tao launched the fund in late 2024 to leverage AI in tackling complex mathematical problems. The fund, which raised over 2 billion yuan, has allocated 1.3 billion yuan in its first round to support projects ranging from foundational theory to innovative applications.
According to the fund’s official website, the selected projects span top institutions like Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Mathematics. Tsinghua’s “AI-Assisted Number Theory Proof System” secured the largest grant at 250 million yuan, followed by Peking University’s “Generative AI for Topological Optimization in Algebraic Geometry” with 180 million yuan. Other notable projects include Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s “Quantum Computing and Combinatorial Mathematics Fusion Model” (120 million yuan) and Zhejiang University’s “Machine Learning-Driven Riemann Hypothesis Verification Tool” (90 million yuan). Led by scholars under 35, these initiatives focus on interdisciplinary collaboration to address long-standing challenges like the Goldbach Conjecture and P vs NP.
“This is a revolutionary moment in mathematics,” said Professor Li Ming, head of Tsinghua’s Mathematics Department, in an interview. “AI was once just a tool, but Tao’s fund shows it can be a partner in solving mathematical problems. This 1.3 billion yuan isn’t just funding—it’s a vote of confidence in China’s potential to lead.” Social media platforms like Weibo have exploded with excitement, with the hashtag #TaoFund topping trending lists. Netizens commented, “Fields Medalist brings big money home—math nerds are saved!” and “From CMU’s dominance to Tsinghua’s rise, this is epic!”
The announcement coincides with the latest CSRankings, where Tsinghua University claimed the top spot globally in computer science, ending Carnegie Mellon University’s long reign, while Peking University led in AI subfields. Observers believe Tao’s fund will amplify this momentum, positioning China as a mathematical powerhouse.
However, some caution against over-optimism. An anonymous mathematician on Zhihu noted, “1.3 billion sounds huge, but that’s only about 45 million yuan per project. The key is ensuring effective oversight to avoid wasting resources.” The fund has responded, stating an independent review committee, including International Mathematical Union members, will monitor progress.
Looking ahead, Tao wrote in his announcement, “Mathematics is the soul of AI, and AI is the wings ofa mathematics. This fund is not an end but a beginning. We hope these projects yield breakthroughs, solving problems and contributing Chinese wisdom to the global tech ecosystem.” The funded projects will launch next year, with initial results expected within two years.
As U.S.-China tech competition intensifies, this fund injects new energy into China’s scientific ambitions. With the math community abuzz, all eyes are on whether the next Fields Medal might emerge from the East.
Stirring Excitement in China’s Math Community Terence Tao’s AI Mathematics Fund Announces First Round: 29 Projects Share 1.3 Billion Yuan