This event marks the first time a large-scale language model (LLM) has been integrated into the digital infrastructure of the Olympics. The strong integration of AI into the 2026 Winter Olympics marks the cooperation between Alibaba Cloud, Olympic Broadcasting Services and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Accordingly, Alibaba's Qwen model will provide power to the "Olympic AI Assistant", a digital system designed to support interaction with fans and internal activities.
According to Alibaba Cloud, AI assistants are integrated on the IOC's global website. This system will provide multilingual conversation support and event information in real time to fans through a chat interface.
Internally, the Qwen model will also be deployed on the IOC's secure information portal for national Olympic Committees, allowing staff to search for documents and guide sponsorships through natural language queries.
This cooperation emphasizes Alibaba Cloud's efforts to accelerate the application of its flagship Qwen product line abroad, taking advantage of the attention that the Olympic event brings.
Previously, Alibaba Cloud provided technology support for the Summer Olympics in Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024 and the Winter Olympics in Beijing 2022.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory deployed LLM-based tools to support the Chinese national team.
Its "Intern-Pudong" sports model provides real-time tactical analysis for coaches and athletes, while AI-generated content tools are used to improve the effectiveness of the national television station's communication system.
In addition to LLM models, Alibaba Cloud's technology will also be used to enhance real-time replay capabilities and upgrade the Olympic cloud-based broadcasting system.
The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics officially takes place from February 6 to 22. The events will be held in Lombardy and Northeast Italy.
