Sound Group and HKUST(GZ) Partner to Foster AI Talent

Posted on by

SINGAPORE, Oct. 27, 2025 — Sound Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SOGP), a global AI-driven audio firm, announced today that one of its subsidiaries has made an official donation to establish the “HKUST(GZ) Information Hub – LIZHI Innovation Talent Scholarship” at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou).

The scholarship will offer recipients opportunities to participate in AI and data science internships and innovative projects. Sound Group aims to create a collaborative platform between businesses and talented young individuals, fostering deeper integration between industry, academia, and research through this initiative.

Hosted by the HKUST(GZ) Information Hub, the collaboration and LIZHI Innovation Talent Scholarship are designed to recognize outstanding HKUST(GZ) students in AI and data science. It encourages young scholars to explore the forefront of these technologies and promote industrial applications. This aligns with Sound Group’s AI business strategy and demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting scientific research and developing future AI innovation talent. Through this donation, Sound Group aims to further connect advanced academic research with the practical application of AI products and technologies, driving innovation in areas such as voice AI products, intelligent audio processing, data-driven services, and large audio models.

Mr. Jinnan (Marco) Lai, Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Sound Group, stated, “Innovation and talent are the key drivers of AI development. We are honored to partner with HKUST(GZ), a prestigious academic institution known for its global perspective and research excellence, to create a talent development mechanism focused on innovation.”

Lai added, “The LIZHI Innovation Talent Scholarship reflects Sound Group’s continued dedication to corporate social responsibility and our confidence and long-term investment in the next generation of AI talent. This collaboration will also provide Sound Group with strong talent and technology support for the ongoing expansion of our AI business, further driving innovation and application in the AI voice field to achieve our global growth objectives.”

With years of experience in the audio sector, Sound Group has established a solid foundation for AI technology development. The company has developed comprehensive voice AI technology capabilities, including core competencies in automatic speech recognition (ASR), natural language understanding (NLU), speech synthesis (TTS), and intelligent interaction, while consistently launching AI-native products. Through rapid validation and continuous iteration, Sound Group is dedicated to refining and optimizing its technology and products to create a strong growth cycle for sustained expansion.

The launch of the LIZHI Innovation Talent Scholarship at HKUST(GZ) represents a significant step for Sound Group in education and technological innovation in AI and data science. Looking ahead, the company will continue to embrace an innovation-driven, voice-powered development philosophy, fostering and accelerating the integration of AI technology across the audio sector. By advancing technology, products, and talent development simultaneously, Sound Group aims to further unlock the growth potential of its AI business and contribute to the sustainable development of the digital economy.

About Sound Group Inc.

Sound Group Inc. is a global audio-centric social and entertainment company with the mission to build the world’s largest audio platform for better connection and communication. The Company is dedicated to shaping a future where audio bridges gaps and amplifies human connection through sound. Sound Group Inc. has been listed on Nasdaq since January 2020.

For more information, please visit:

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which are not historical facts, include statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. These factors include, but are not limited to: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development, results of operations and financial condition; the expected growth of the online audio market; the expectation regarding the rate at which to gain active users, especially paying users; the Company’s ability to monetize the user base; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and overseas markets; the economy in China and elsewhere generally; any adverse changes in laws, regulations, rules, policies or guidelines applicable to the Company; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Sound Group Inc.
IR Department
E-mail: ir@soundgroupinc.com

Piacente Financial Communications
Jenny Cai
E-mail: soundgroup@tpg-ir.com