Alibaba launches Qwen3 AI models with hybrid reasoning power

Alibaba's Qwen 3 enters the AI race with hybrid reasoning and open access, posing a direct challenge to OpenAI and Google in advanced AI development.

Apr 30, 2025 - 14:30

Alibaba launches Qwen3 AI models with hybrid reasoning power

Alibaba has unveiled Qwen3, its latest suite of large language models (LLMs) designed to enhance artificial intelligence capabilities through hybrid reasoning.

Hybrid reasoning: A dual-mode approach

Qwen3 models incorporate a hybrid reasoning architecture, enabling them to switch between rapid response generation for straightforward queries and in-depth analytical processing for complex tasks. This dual-mode functionality allows the models to efficiently handle a wide range of applications, from casual interactions to intricate problem-solving scenarios.

The flagship model, Qwen3-235B-A22B, exemplifies this approach by delivering swift answers when needed and engaging in comprehensive reasoning for more demanding tasks. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for developers and enterprises seeking adaptable AI solutions.

Diverse model offerings

The Qwen3 series comprises eight models, including six dense models and two Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) models, ranging from 0.6 billion to 235 billion parameters. This variety ensures that users can select models that align with their specific computational resources and application requirements.

Notably, the MoE models enhance efficiency by activating only relevant subsets of the model for a given task, optimising performance and resource utilisation.

Benchmark performance and capabilities

Alibaba reports that Qwen3 models have achieved impressive results across various benchmarks, including instruction following, coding assistance, text generation, mathematical reasoning, and complex problem-solving.

Furthermore, Qwen3 supports 119 languages and dialects, enhancing its applicability in diverse linguistic contexts. This multilingual support is crucial for global enterprises and developers aiming to reach a broad audience.

Open-source accessibility

Alibaba has made Qwen3 models available under an open-source license. Developers can access these models through platforms like Hugging Face and GitHub, facilitating experimentation and integration into various applications.