A 13-year-old from Hangzhou has already claimed top prizes in national AI contests and built an online audience exceeding 136,000 followers, even as his father navigates how best to support his son in a rapidly evolving discipline. This case, highlighted in earlier coverage by Rest of World, illustrates the direction of China tech sector development.

Firms once focused recruitment efforts on recent graduates. They now extend outreach earlier, beginning with university students and moving toward secondary school students in search of exceptional ability ahead of competitors.

Why companies pursue younger prospects

A significant skills shortfall drives the trend. McKinsey projects a deficit of up to 5 million AI professionals in China by 2030, with current demand for AI roles outpacing available expertise. Tencent has introduced programs for participants aged 13 to 18 that address topics including AI product oversight and quantum technologies. ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming established a selective research initiative that accepts only 30 trainees annually for full-time roles.

Geely has reversed conventional hiring sequences. The vehicle manufacturer selects candidates directly from high school, provides combined instruction in AI and electric vehicle technologies during their studies, and offers post-training positions with compensation equivalent to entry-level graduate roles.

Are traditional degrees losing relevance?

MiniMax, a prominent AI startup, continues to avoid hiring directly from high schools yet no longer views university credentials as mandatory. The firm prioritizes demonstrated curiosity and innate capability over formal qualifications.

This evolution extends beyond China. Google co-founder Sergey Brin has noted growing willingness to consider candidates lacking undergraduate degrees. Ultimately, advances in AI are reshaping not only job structures but also the criteria for entry, placing greater weight on demonstrated skill and inquisitiveness than on age or conventional academic records.