In the late 1990s, we started exploring ways to bring the scientific research from our laboratory into the industries of the Pearl River Delta. Our first initiative was applying a robot controller to the manufacturing sector. At that time, equipment manufacturing was still in its early stages. Previously, we relied on purchasing standard equipment from external suppliers. However, as the local manufacturing industry in China grew, more production processes became localized, which led to a greater need for domestic equipment solutions.
We spent nearly five years educating companies about motion control concepts and technologies, while simultaneously refining our own products. It wasn’t until around 2005 that our motion control systems truly took off. From early PCB drilling machines and drip irrigation systems, we expanded into semiconductors, LED devices, and eventually robotics and CNC machines. This journey coincided with the rapid development of the equipment industry in Shenzhen and the broader Pearl River Delta region. Today, many emerging industries across mainland China—like the new energy sector in Ningde—have roots in Shenzhen and Dongguan, with Gugu playing a key role in supporting their growth.
One major challenge we faced was the shortage of talent. Although HKUST produced strong graduates, most of them left for Silicon Valley or pursued further studies abroad. To address this, I established a discipline at the Harbin Institute of Technology's Shenzhen Graduate School, modeled after HKUST. Between 2004 and 2010, seven cohorts graduated, totaling around 400 students. These individuals have become essential to the equipment industry in Shenzhen, the Pearl River Delta, and even nationwide, founding numerous companies along the way.
Several of my students from HKUST gained exposure to Shenzhen’s industrial ecosystem through robotics competitions and hands-on projects. They learned how to integrate with local manufacturers, leading to the creation of companies like DJI, Yidong, and Yunzhou Intelligence. These are prime examples of “academic startups†that successfully merged with Shenzhen’s industrial chain.
As these ventures grew, we noticed rising costs in Shenzhen, prompting us to look for alternative locations. We visited Guangming, Pingshan, and even Zhuhai before settling on Songshan Lake, which became one of the first 12 projects under the Guangdong Provincial Motion Control and Equipment Innovation Team.
Over the next few years, we developed a stronger understanding of the robotics field and the growing market demand. Collaborating with Songshan Lake and the Dongguan government, we aimed to build a systematic incubation platform, integrating resources such as investment firms like Sequoia and Takahata. This effort eventually led to the establishment of the Songshan Lake Robotics Industry Base.
To build a more robust ecosystem, we reached out to universities across China, promoting entrepreneurship among undergraduates. We emphasized that starting a business doesn’t require years of experience—many successful entrepreneurs begin in their 20s. We also partnered with Guangdong University of Technology and Dongguan University of Technology to create a new robotics college, focusing on interdisciplinary education, hands-on learning, and real-world exposure.
Our curriculum included project-based learning, strengthened math and engineering fundamentals, and opportunities for students to visit companies and international exhibitions. By the third year, students spent a semester at the base, where they gained practical experience and developed problem-solving skills. Our goal is for them to launch their own ventures by graduation.
We continuously seek entrepreneurial talent from global sources, including university programs, international robotics conferences, and tech parks. Entrepreneurs range in age from 22 to 70, showing the diversity of our community. While some startups faced challenges due to market misalignments, setbacks were seen as part of the learning process. We hold biannual entrepreneur conferences to share progress and lessons learned.
What impressed me most was the rapid growth of these young teams. Some had already made significant strides, even surpassing teams from places like Silicon Valley. We’ve had meetings with top executives from companies like TI and ADI, who were surprised by the speed and innovation of Chinese startups.
Today, we're building a full-fledged ecosystem, covering industrial components, equipment, robots, security systems, and consumer products. These teams support each other, creating a dynamic environment for innovation. As we move forward, we aim to explore high-end equipment solutions. That’s all, thank you.
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