Baidu, Inc. is a leading Chinese technology company best known for its internet search services and related online offerings. Founded in January 2000 by Robin Li and Eric Xu, the company pioneered a Chinese-language search engine and has since expanded into a broad range of digital products and services. Headquartered in Beijing, Baidu operates in Mainland China and maintains research and development facilities in key global technology hubs.
At its core, Baidu provides a suite of online marketing and advertising solutions, leveraging its search engine platform to connect advertisers with consumers. Beyond search, the company has invested heavily in artificial intelligence, developing products such as DuerOS, a conversational AI platform, and Apollo, an open platform for autonomous driving. Baidu Cloud offers computing, storage and AI tools to enterprise clients, while Baidu Maps and Baidu Video deliver location-based services and streaming content to millions of users.
In addition to its consumer-facing products, Baidu has made significant inroads into AI research, publishing advancements in natural language processing, computer vision and deep learning. The company’s AI Lab and Institute of Deep Learning collaborate with academic institutions and industry partners to accelerate innovation in areas such as autonomous vehicles, voice recognition and smart home devices. Baidu’s investments also extend into healthcare, smart cities and robotics, reflecting a strategy to embed AI capabilities across industries.
Under the leadership of founder Robin Li, who serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Baidu has maintained a focus on technology-driven growth and strategic partnerships. The company continues to adapt its platforms to evolving user needs and regulatory environments, leveraging its AI expertise to sustain competitive advantages in China’s dynamic digital economy. As Baidu explores new markets and applications, it remains a prominent player in the global technology landscape.