AI model of GUi-backed startup tops global ranking

HiDream.ai, a generative AI startup nurtured by Grand Union of Innovation (GUi), has made headlines with HiDream-l1, the company's image-generating AI model that claimed the top spot on Artificial Analysis, a globally recognized benchmark platform. It marks the first time a Chinese-developed model leads in the global contest.

The technological breakthrough becomes the latest testament to the investment of GUi's innovation ecosystem. GUi serves as a high-level incubator and launchpad for emerging tech firms. Its all-around support, from research collaboration to capital access and policy incentives, has played a pivotal role in the rise of startups like HiDream.ai.

HiDream-I1 topped the Artificial Analysis global leaderboard within 24 hours of its release, beating mainstream models from companies such as Midjourney, OpenAI and Google. [Photo/GUi]

The company released two open-source models - the image generation model HiDream-I1 and the interactive editing model HiDream-E1 - on April 15, enabling a seamless workflow from conversation to image creation. These models feature innovations such as Sparse DiT architecture that increases generation efficiency by 50 percent while cutting costs by 30 percent, adversarial distillation that balances speed and cinematic image quality, and a multimodal agent interface that allows users to generate and edit visuals through natural language commands, combining efficiency, quality, and intuitive control.

Already adopted by global platforms like Recraft, HiDream-l1 empowers creators to generate high-quality visuals with unprecedented ease. From commercial design to anime production, its applications are vast and growing.

Founded in 2023 by Dr Tao Mei, fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and former vice president of JD.com, HiDream.ai underscores GUi's emerging role as a powerful engine of innovation with global impact.