In February 2025, the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, set the stage for technological innovation and sportsmanship, spotlighting a milestone in event management through AI-driven solutions. With an impressive turnout of over 1,500 athletes from 34 countries, this globally significant event exemplified how modern technology can revolutionize winter sports, making it particularly relevant for small business owners looking to enhance their operational efficiency and audience engagement.
Ensuring the event’s success involved managing vast data streams and synchronizing logistics across multiple venues, remote from one another due to challenging geographical terrains. Temperatures plummeted to -40°C (-44°F), posing yet another layer of complexity. To tackle these challenges head-on, the organizing team enlisted Lenovo as their official IT solutions provider. Lenovo, known for its extensive experience in supporting major sporting events, notably the Olympic Games, brought its deep expertise in technology to elevate the viewer and participant experience at the Games.
Lenovo deployed over 2,000 AI-enabled devices, including ThinkPad laptops and ThinkCentre desktops, across the two main venues—Harbin and Yabuli—where athletes competed in skiing and ice sports. This integration of cutting-edge technology not only streamlined data collection and transmission but also significantly enhanced fan engagement through interactive experiences. Lenovo’s proprietary Baiying AI Agent further exemplified tech innovation; initially designed for enterprise IT management, it was adapted to support the seamless operations of the Winter Games.
Zhang Qiong, Director of the Information Technology Department of the Asian Winter Games Executive Committee, remarked, “The innovative technologies from Lenovo elevated this event to a new level of intelligence.” Linda Yao, VP and GM of Hybrid Cloud & AI Solutions at Lenovo, emphasized the transformative nature of AI, stating, “AI has been key to simplifying operations and boosting the audience experience at the 9th Asian Winter Games.”
For small business owners, the insights gained from the Winter Games relay important lessons in managing complex operations. The successful deployment of AI in real-time data management, for instance, illustrates the need for robust IT solutions in enhancing operational efficiencies and audience engagement. As businesses seek to expand their customer outreach and increase operational effectiveness, the technology showcased at the Winter Games serves as a compelling case study in how to leverage AI effectively.
While the benefits are clear, small business owners must also face potential challenges when integrating such advanced technologies. For example, the need for technical expertise raises questions about employee training and the associated costs. Additionally, ensuring device reliability, as Lenovo did with over 100 dedicated engineers on-site, could be daunting for smaller entities with limited resources.
Environmental considerations also played a critical role at this year’s Games. Lenovo’s commitment to sustainability, utilizing 56.76 million kWh of renewable energy and promoting intelligent equipment management systems, reflects a growing concern across industries. Small businesses looking to enhance their sustainability efforts can draw inspiration from such models, which emphasize responsible tech deployment while also serving broader environmental goals.
Lenovo’s Device as a Service (DaaS) offering, which provided flexible subscription-based IT asset management, further exemplifies a shift towards more streamlined operational models. After the Games, devices were recycled or repurposed, echoing a commitment to reducing environmental impact that resonates with customers increasingly aware of corporate social responsibility.
As winter sports gain popularity in China—rising to 313 million visits last year from just 20,000 in 1996—the growing audience represents an opportunity for small businesses to engage with a new demographic. The success of the Asian Winter Games and its innovative application of AI presents a playbook for how tech advancements can not only facilitate large-scale events but also drive new opportunities for entrepreneurs in various sectors.
In a time of rapid change driven by technological advancements, the Asian Winter Games stands as a shining example of what’s possible with creativity and collaboration. The integration of AI and sustainable practices supports a vision that promises not just to enhance the sports experience but also to shape the future landscape of small business operations. By looking at these successes, you can explore actionable insights to help elevate your business.
For additional information on Lenovo’s role in the Asian Winter Games and further details about their AI innovations, visit the original press release here.
Image Via Envato: VidEst
