Marketing graduate Liu Han faced challenges in her job search until her teacher recommended the "Model-Data Engineer Academy." There, she discovered how integrating traditional marketing with AI could open new opportunities. On November 1, the launch ceremony of the "Xuanwu·Model-Data Engineer Academy"—an AI youth talent training base—was successfully held at Jinchuang Future City on Zhujiang Road in Nanjing's Xuanwu District, attracting many ambitious young people.

The academy aims to cultivate the most sought-after interdisciplinary talent in the AI era—professionals who bridge the gap between technology and business. How should this new concept of "Model-Data Engineer" be understood? "Model" refers to AI large models, the intelligent core for pattern recognition; "Data" represents vast datasets, the critical resource for decision-making. A "Model-Data Engineer" is a cross-disciplinary expert who deeply integrates modeling and data capabilities—proficient in data analysis, modeling, practical application, and innovation—becoming a driving force for industrial transformation in the AI era.

Cheng Susu, Executive President of Jinchuang Group, which oversees the academy's operations, offered an analogy: "Traditional AI talent often understands technology but lacks business acumen, or vice versa. 'Model-Data Engineers' are meant to build a bridge between the two, translating and executing effectively."

Amid the AI revolution, Xuanwu District is seizing the opportunity by establishing this academy to align corporate transformation needs with university talent supply. The goal is to rapidly train graduates into AI professionals capable of reducing costs and improving efficiency for businesses, solving real-world challenges, and driving high-quality industrial development—creating a virtuous cycle of "talent nurturing industry, and industry fostering talent."

Chen Meng, Deputy Director of the Xuanwu District Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, explained that the academy serves two purposes: addressing youth employment and supporting enterprises, especially SMEs, in achieving breakthroughs in AI and digital transformation. "We aim to enhance entrepreneurs' understanding of AI—its role and practical applications—while helping students improve their AI tool proficiency, ensuring effective talent-industry alignment," Chen said.

Liu Han, a graduate from Dongguan University of Technology, was drawn by this vision. After learning about the academy during her job search, she became deeply interested. "My first major was marketing. Traditional marketing often has limitations, but combining it with AI in today's fast-evolving landscape offers greater potential," she shared.

Zhang Zhichao, Deputy Party Secretary and District Chief of Xuanwu, highlighted that as Nanjing's core urban area, Xuanwu has ranked among China's top 100 innovative districts for four consecutive years. It leads the province in data and large-model industries, boasting nearly 400 AI-related enterprises and hosting nearly one-third of the province's nationally registered large models—the highest in Jiangsu. Moving forward, Xuanwu will focus on building the academy to meet corporate needs and enhance trainees' skills, forming an ecosystem of "talent cultivation—employment support—application promotion—industrial upgrade."

The district will prioritize talent and industrial synergy to drive innovation and economic growth, positioning itself as an AI industry hub. The "Xuanwu·Model-Data Engineer Academy" will leverage government-enterprise-university collaboration and the AI Training Alliance to nurture more "decoders" and "pioneers" for the digital economy, solidifying Xuanwu's status as a talent and industry benchmark in the AI era.