China Launches AI Classes for Elementary Students as Global Race to Train Next Tech Leaders Intensifies

In a bold move to secure its place at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation, China is embedding AI education into its school system—starting with children as young as six. Beginning this fall, primary and secondary schools across Beijing will incorporate at least eight hours of AI instruction per academic year, according to a new initiative from the Beijing Municipal Education Commission.

This educational pivot comes on the heels of DeepSeek’s dramatic emergence as an AI powerhouse and the rise of its co-founder Liang Wenfeng, who, along with Unitree Robotics' Wang Xingxing, is an alumnus of Zhejiang University. Beijing aims to replicate such success stories by nurturing future innovators much earlier—straight from the classroom to the C-suite.

The initiative aligns with a larger national strategy. In December, China’s Ministry of Education designated 184 schools as pilot campuses for AI curriculum development.

China isn’t alone in pushing AI education to younger generations.

Estonia recently joined the global charge, announcing a partnership with OpenAI to roll out ChatGPT Edu to secondary schools starting this September. The tool will assist 10th and 11th grade students and teachers with technical support, personalized learning, lesson planning, and administrative tasks. Estonian President Alar Karis praised the initiative as a significant leap for the nation’s digital society, asserting that the education system must evolve with AI's rapid integration into everyday life.

The classroom has become the new battleground as nations race to develop their AI talent pipelines. With students in Beijing, China and Tallinn, Estonia now being prepped to become tomorrow's tech leaders, the global AI race is not just about innovation—it's about education.