Alibaba opens Qwen to AI agent developers

Alibaba has launched an open platform for its AI model Qwen, allowing third-party developers to build custom AI agents across mobile phones, personal computers and smart glasses, reports Caixin.

The first group of partners on the Qianwen Open Platform spans more than 10 sectors, including logistics, real estate and wealth management. Participants include SF Express, home-rental platform Ziroom and Midea Group. Alibaba’s own services, including logistics arm Cainiao and the Quark search app, are also integrated, adding functions such as smart mailing and file management.

The platform allows third-party companies to build AI agents that users can access directly within the Qwen app. Unlike conventional apps, these agents are designed to use reasoning and memory to process more complex requests. Alibaba said an SF Express agent, for example, can recall a user’s saved address and arrange a delivery based on a natural language prompt, while Yingmi Fund’s Qieman Xiaogu agent can offer investment suggestions based on a user’s portfolio.