Recognizing frontier builders
Yongchao Chen, founder of Apex Intelligence, has been named to Jazzyear’s “2026 AI NEXT 20” list. The recognition highlights emerging leaders whose work is shaping new directions for artificial intelligence.
At Apex Intelligence, Chen and the team are developing self-evolving foundation models for open-ended scientific discovery. Their work explores how AI can move beyond reproducing existing knowledge and become capable of proposing, executing and improving research.
A shared milestone
The recognition belongs to the researchers, engineers, collaborators and partners working together to make reliable self-improving research systems possible.
Building the future of AI is a collective research effort, grounded in ambitious questions and objective evidence.