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Chinese AI model takes US tech industry by surprise with abilities rivaling Claude and ChatGPT
By Matt O'Brien, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 17, 2026
· 4 min read
Another powerful new artificial intelligence model from China took the U.S. tech industry by surprise Friday, the latest sign that Chinese startups that publicly release their “open-source” AI technology are making the California titans of AI sweat. The newest Kimi K3 model from Beijing-based sta...
Key takeaway The newest Kimi K3 model from Beijing-based startup Moonshot, run by a Pink Floyd-loving entrepreneur who earned his doctorate in Pittsburgh, appears to be catching up to the best versions of Anthropic's Claude and OpenAI's ChatGPT.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The emergence of powerful Chinese AI models like Kimi K3 has significant implications for San Antonio 's growing tech industry. As Chinese startups continue to make strides in AI development, local companies may find opportunities to leverage these advancements to drive innovation and competitiveness. San Antonio's proximity to major tech hubs and its own thriving startup scene make it an attractive location for businesses looking to capitalize on the latest AI technologies. The city's universities and research institutions can also play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing between local entrepreneurs and Chinese AI developers. As the global AI landscape continues to evolve, San Antonio's business and academic communities must be prepared to adapt and seize the opportunities presented by these emerging technologies. By doing so, the city can solidify its position as a major player in the tech industry and create new economic opportunities for its residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Another powerful new artificial intelligence model from China took the U.S. tech industry by surprise Friday, the latest sign that Chinese startups that publicly release their “open-source” AI technology are making the California titans of AI sweat. The newest Kimi K3 model from Beijing-based sta...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Matt O'Brien, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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