Meituan Open-Sources LongCat-Next AI to Natively Process Multimodal Data
Meituan has released and fully open-sourced LongCat-Next, a native multi-modal large model designed to fundamentally change how AI processes information. The model breaks from the traditional "language-centric" approach, which often involves patching together separate systems for different data types. Instead, LongCat-Next unifies image, speech, and text by mapping them into a common format of discrete tokens.
This architecture allows the AI to operate using a pure "next token prediction" method, effectively making vision and speech a "native language" for the model rather than a translated one. This design represents a significant step toward creating AI that can interact more seamlessly with the physical world, a stated goal for Meituan's LongCat team.
Meituan Enters Crowded Field for Open-Source Enterprise AI
Meituan's decision to open-source its model places it directly in a competitive field with other major technology firms racing to define the next generation of enterprise AI. The move mirrors recent efforts by industry leaders like NVIDIA, which used its GTC 2026 conference to introduce its own open-source tools, such as the OpenShell runtime, for building and deploying AI agents.
This trend highlights a broader strategic shift across the industry. By contributing to the open-source ecosystem, companies like Meituan are not just sharing technology; they are competing for developer adoption, attracting top-tier talent, and aiming to establish their platforms as the foundation for future AI-driven services. For Meituan, this is a strategic play to bolster its reputation as a technology leader and expand its influence beyond its established delivery and local services businesses.
