As the Olympic Movement accelerates its digital transformation, Alibaba Cloud is playing a central role in shaping what is being described as the most intelligent Games in history at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026.
Through advanced cloud infrastructure and AI-driven solutions, Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology backbone of Alibaba Group and Worldwide TOP Partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is supporting both the IOC and the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee in delivering a more sustainable, efficient and connected Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
From energy management and transportation optimisation to next-generation broadcasting and the IOC’s first use of large language models (LLMs), the Games are set to showcase a new era of intelligent operations.
Broadcasting Reimagined Through the Cloud
A key pillar of this transformation is the OBS Live Cloud Platform, powered by Alibaba Cloud. Replacing traditional satellite-based distribution, the platform enables flexible, scalable and high-quality delivery of 442 live video feeds to 42 broadcasters worldwide.
The shift to cloud broadcasting has also reduced the Games’ physical footprint. The International Broadcasting Centre at Milano Cortina 2026 is 25% smaller than the facility at Beijing 2022 and 30% smaller than PyeongChang 2018, a significant step toward more sustainable event operations.
AI-driven innovations further modernised the broadcast workflow. The Real-Time 360º Replay system and the Qwen-powered Automatic Media Description (AMD) system enhanced live production, accelerated media turnaround and improved content accessibility.
During the Games, the AMD system processed livestream signals from 391 competition sessions, while Media Rights Holders gained access to 4,198 video highlights captured and produced using Alibaba Cloud’s Real-Time 360º Replay technology.
First-Ever Use of LLM Technology at the Olympics
Milano Cortina 2026 also marks the IOC’s first use of large language model technology, powered by Alibaba Cloud’s Qwen models. This milestone advances the IOC’s digital transformation and introduces smarter, more connected experiences across the Olympic ecosystem.
Qwen supports a range of AI-enabled platforms, including the Olympic AI Assistant, the NOC AI Assistant and the Sports AI Platform. These systems enable multilingual fan engagement, intelligent content search and large-scale media management, improving accessibility and operational efficiency across the Games.
