China calls for more "small dragons"

In the dynamic landscape of China's technological and industrial development, the emergence of the "six small dragons" in Hangzhou has been a remarkable phenomenon. These six innovative enterprises - Yun Shen Chu Technology, Unitree Robotics, DeepSeek, Game Science, Qunhe Technology and BrainCo - are making waves not only in the domestic market but also on the global stage.

As China aspires to become a global powerhouse in science and technology, the rise of these "small dragons" serves as both an inspiration and a blueprint for what the future holds.

The "six small dragons" in Hangzhou: A technological vanguard

Yun Shen Chu Technology, with its focus on quadruped and humanoid robots, has already made significant inroads into the international market. Its core product, the "Jueying X30" robot, is being used for power tunnel inspections in Singapore, marking a significant milestone for Chinese - made robots in overseas power systems.

Unitree Robotics, with a staggering 70 percent share of the global quadruped robot market in 2023, has proven its mettle in high-performance robot development. Its B2-W robotic dog, renowned for its dynamic balance and load-bearing capabilities, has even caught the attention of Elon Musk.

DeepSeek has disrupted the AI landscape by training a model, DeepSeek-V3, which rivals GPT-4o at a fraction of the cost and with fewer computing resources. The release of its latest version of DeepSeek-R1 has further reinforced its role as a rising star in AI.

Game Science, with its masterpiece Black Myth: Wukong, has not only achieved remarkable financial success with over 8 billion yuan in global revenue but has also introduced traditional Chinese cultural elements to the international gaming stage, elevating the profile of Chinese game development.

Qunhe Technology's "kujiale" platform, the world's largest 3D space design platform, provides a vast database for AI training, while BrainCo, the second - largest funded brain - computer interface enterprise globally, has achieved mass production of portable high - precision brain - computer interface products.

Catalyzing China's new quality development

These "small dragons" have had a profound impact on China's new quality development. They have shattered international technological barriers. DeepSeek's innovative approach to AI model training reduces reliance on high-end chips, and BrainCo's mass production capabilities in the brain - computer interface field demonstrate China's self-reliance on cutting-edge technologies. Yun Shen Chu and Unitree's entry into the international robot market signal a shift from a follower to a competitor in high-end manufacturing.

Furthermore, they have spurred urban and industrial upgrades. In 2024, Hangzhou's GDP exceeded 2.18 trillion yuan, with technology companies contributing over 30 percent. The "six small dragons" have become the new calling card of Hangzhou as the "No.1 Digital Economy City." They have also facilitated the integration of technology and industry. Qunhe Technology's 3D database, combined with DeepSeek's AI model, accelerates robot intelligence, while Game Science's cultural output, blended with AI technology, creates new digital content scenarios.

Hangzhou's advantage in nurturing innovation

The question then arises: why did these "small dragons" emerge in Hangzhou? The answer lies in a confluence of favorable factors, with the city's tolerance and patience for innovative enterprises standing out prominently.

In the realm of technological innovation, the gestation period for groundbreaking ideas to translate into market-viable products can be protracted. Take, for example, BrainCo, which is dedicated to brain - computer interface technology. Developing high-precision and portable brain-computer interface products demands substantial investments in both capital and technological R&D over extended periods, with minimal short-term economic returns in sight. However, Hangzhou has provided a nurturing environment for such enterprises.

In addition, the city's "8 + 4" economic policies play a pivotal role. For innovative enterprises like BrainCo, Hangzhou offers preferential tax policies. They are exempt from certain local taxes in their initial years of operation, allowing them to allocate more resources towards research and development.

Additionally, the city provides low-interest loans specifically tailored for technology-intensive startups. These loans have a longer repayment period, typically extending up to 10 years, which eases the financial burden on enterprises during their formative and R&D-intensive stages.

Moreover, Hangzhou has established a series of innovation parks and incubators, such as the renowned Hangzhou Future Sci-Tech City. Here, innovative enterprises can enjoy rent-free or highly subsidized office spaces for the first three to five years. This not only reduces their operational costs but also provides a collaborative ecosystem where they can exchange ideas with other like-minded companies and research institutions.

The policy package for promoting the integrated development of education, science, technology and talent offers financial incentives to newly-recognized high-tech enterprises and encourages R&D investment. The policy for accelerating the development of advanced manufacturing focuses on emerging industries such as general artificial intelligence and humanoid robots. These policies, along with others in the "8 + 4" package, have created a fertile ground for innovation, attracting both domestic and international talent.

The imperative for more "small dragons" and "small tigers"

As China aims to become a global science and technology powerhouse, the need for more "small dragons" and "small tigers" is crucial. These innovative enterprises are the driving force behind technological innovation, economic growth and international competitiveness. To foster more such enterprises, the government should continue to invest in research and development, offer preferential policies, and create a business-friendly environment.

Universities and research institutions should also play a vital role in cultivating talent and promoting technological transfer. By nurturing a new generation of innovative enterprises, China can achieve self-reliance in key technologies and also lead the global technological revolution. The success of the "six small dragons" in Hangzhou is a testament to what can be achieved, and is a model that should be replicated across the country.

As China continues to strive for technological supremacy, the lessons learned from these "small dragons" will be invaluable in nurturing a new generation of innovative powerhouses. The future of China's technological development lies in the emergence of more such enterprises, each contributing to the nation's goal of becoming a global leader in science and technology.

The author is a Shenzhen-based English tutor. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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