The Power of Leapfrogging: The Birth Story of Guanggu Gazelle's "Rocket Class"

In an unassuming laboratory in Guanggu, 41-year-old Xu Zhoulong stared intently at the data displayed on the screen, his fingertips unconsciously tapping lightly on the tabletop. Each shift in the data directly reflected the "value" of his company's core technology.

The Flip Chip thermal compression bonding equipment, independently developed by Wuhan Xinlike Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Xinlike"), which he founded, is now running at full speed—reducing the welding time for optical chips from the traditional 1 hour per chip down to just 1 minute and 40 seconds, boosting efficiency nearly 30 times over. Thanks to this single product, Xinlike, which was established just one year ago, has already achieved a revenue of 40 million yuan and has successfully been named to the Optics Valley's "Gazelle Selection" list for 2025.

On July 16, Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone (also known as "Optics Valley" or "China Optics Valley") unveiled the first batch of 100 "Gazelle Select" companies and 20 "Potential Star" enterprises from China Optics Valley. Zhao Rongkai, Dean of the Optics Valley Institute for Innovation and Development, used a vivid metaphor: "These 100 companies were carefully selected from over 5,800 high-tech enterprises across the entire zone—less than 2% in total. They’re like the top students in a 'rocket class,' each possessing the potential to 'get into a 985 university.' In the future, they’re bound to give rise to a group of companies worth billions—or even tens of billions—and investment institutions can essentially 'invest with their eyes closed.'"

From wasteland to fertile soil: The growth story of gazelle enterprises

On the African savanna, there thrives a social animal—the gazelle. Though not large in size, they are incredibly fast runners with remarkable jumping abilities. When a cheetah gives chase to a gazelle, the latter can swiftly change direction, nimbly adapting to every twist and turn of the predator's pursuit.

In China's economic landscape, a new wave of high-growth, technology-driven small and medium-sized enterprises has emerged. Known as "Gazelle Companies," these firms boast strong innovation capabilities, cutting-edge expertise in specialized fields, and significant growth potential.

In Guanggu, from 2011 to 2024, the Guanggu Gazelles have grown from individual enterprises into a thriving cluster, becoming a new engine for innovation and spearheading the future of technology and emerging industries.

When Optics Valley first identified Gazelle Enterprises in 2011, the list included only 30 companies—ranging from hidden champions in niche sectors like optoelectronics and biomedicine to rising stars poised to shine in cutting-edge technology fields.

At that time, this science and technology hub—once held in high hopes—was still groping its way forward.

In 2018, the number of Optics Valley Gazelle enterprises reached 355, more than tenfold higher than in 2011. These companies have emerged as dynamic newcomers in cutting-edge fields such as integrated circuits and the digital economy, driving the development of innovative, industry-cluster-based ecosystems.

In 2021, the number of Optics Valley Gazelle enterprises increased to 502, with 14 companies becoming publicly listed and 6 recognized as unicorn enterprises.

In 2024, Optics Valley recognized 549 Gazelle Enterprises. No one could have predicted that, over the past 14 years, the number of Gazelle Enterprises would grow from an initial 30 to today’s impressive 1,862—and that these companies would go on to produce 26 publicly listed firms and 8 unicorn enterprises.

At this moment, Guanggu Gazelle has become the most influential innovation cluster in East Lake High-Tech Zone.

“We’ve witnessed the remarkable transformation of Guanggu Gazelles. In 2011, Guanggu was the first in China to introduce this nurturing model, establishing a comprehensive service system that spans ‘discovery and selection—precision cultivation—resource connection.’” Zhao Rongkai remarked with emotion, “While early-stage Gazelles were predominantly software and optoelectronic companies, today they’re increasingly focused on cutting-edge fields such as integrated circuits, intelligent robotics, and biomanufacturing—sectors that align closely with national strategic priorities.”

Data reveals this transformation: Over 80% of the "Gazelle Selection" companies in 2025 are concentrated in three cutting-edge sectors—integrated circuits, intelligent robotics, and biomanufacturing. Meanwhile, capital has already sensed the shift; in the first half of the year, 54 tech firms in Optics Valley secured a total of more than 4 billion yuan in equity investment, representing a 50% year-on-year increase.

Relevant officials from Wuhan East Lake High-tech Zone stated that high-growth enterprises, represented by the Optics Valley Gazelles, are rooted in technological breakthroughs and propelled forward by relentless market expansion. With their explosive growth trajectories, these companies have emerged as the brightest "stars of potential" on Optics Valley's economic map. Moving forward, East Lake High-tech Zone will continue to refine its tiered nurturing approach—spanning "high-tech enterprises, Gazelle companies, and industry-leading enterprises"—while actively partnering with businesses as innovation technology allies, science-and-tech finance collaborators, and industrial ecosystem partners. Together with entrepreneurs and investors, the zone is committed to co-creating a promising future for "World Optics Valley."

Decoding the "5678" Phenomenon: The Portrait of Top Students in the "Rocket Class"

When you flip through the profiles of the 100 companies selected for the "Gazelle Selection," a set of striking "5678" statistical highlights immediately catches the eye: Over 50% of their workforce consists of R&D personnel; they’ve secured average funding exceeding 60 million yuan over the past three years; 70% of these companies are firmly positioned in the industry’s leading tier; and more than 80% are deeply rooted in cutting-edge, high-potential sectors.

Over 50% of the workforce are R&D personnel—inside the laboratory of Wuhan Haizhuotek Technology Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as "Haizhuotek"), a company selected for this recognition. Yuan Lei, the company's Deputy General Manager, picks up a coin-sized metal component: "This is the 80-gram direct-drive servo valve we've developed—the smallest and lightest product of its kind on the market." Established in 2020, this tech enterprise boasts an R&D team that accounts for as much as 65% of its staff. Its cutting-edge products have already been integrated into humanoid robot joints, perfectly meeting the demands for high precision and exceptional sensitivity.

A high proportion of R&D personnel investment is the key for gazelle enterprises to maintain their innovative vitality. At Hydratight, R&D staff not only need solid professional knowledge but also must possess innovative thinking and strong teamwork skills. Yuan Lei explained that, to attract and retain top-notch R&D talent, the company offers an excellent working environment and competitive benefits, while actively encouraging employees to engage in innovative research and development—and even providing them with meaningful rewards.

In addition to Hydratight, the other selected companies also place great emphasis on cultivating and attracting R&D talent. To enhance its R&D capabilities, CoreTech has recruited a group of top-notch professionals from renowned universities and research institutions both at home and abroad, and has partnered with Huazhong University of Science and Technology to establish a joint laboratory, jointly pursuing cutting-edge research projects.

Over the past three years, average funding has exceeded 60 million yuan—proof that capital is genuinely voting with real money for technology. Among the 100 "Gazelle Select" companies, 83 have secured equity financing in the last three years, while 11 have received backing from "national team" funds. Notably, Wuhan Minsheng New Technology Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as "Wuhan Minsheng") recently closed its latest funding round at nearly 1 billion yuan, setting a new record for early-stage enterprise financing in Optics Valley.

Capital's favor stems from Gazelle Enterprises' technological strength and growth potential. Wuhan Minsheng specializes in the R&D and production of RF filters, with its technology leading the domestic market. The company's leader stated that, following the substantial funding it has secured, the enterprise will ramp up R&D investments, expand its production capacity, and enhance its market share.

Seventy percent of the companies are among the industry's leading group—among the selected enterprises, Wuhan Grano Precision Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Grano") positions itself as a specialized provider of high-performance, precision active vibration control solutions. Its key technological achievements encompass advanced active vibration control systems and precision motion control, with a strong commitment to developing world-class precision equipment products.

Companies positioned in the industry's leading group possess strong technological capabilities and market competitiveness. "As chip manufacturing processes advance into the 3-nanometer era and beyond, precise control of micro-vibrations in equipment used by wafer fabs and packaging plants directly determines production yield rates. Research has shown that even a vibration deviation of just 1 micrometer can lead to a performance degradation of more than 30% in chips—yet traditional passive vibration-damping technologies can no longer meet the stringent demands of cutting-edge fabrication processes. Leveraging the deep technical expertise accumulated by Academician Xuedong Chen’s team at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Grano has developed its own ultra-precise active vibration dampers, pushing vibration-control precision in the semiconductor manufacturing sector to a new 'zero-deviation' benchmark," a Grano official told reporters from China High-Tech Zone Magazine.

The semiconductor industry is advancing toward em-level precision, and Grano's ultra-precise active vibration-reduction technology has broken through technological barriers with nanometer-level control. This innovation not only fills the domestic gap in high-end vibration damping but also establishes China's standards in the global cutting-edge manufacturing arena. At its core, this breakthrough technology equips semiconductor equipment with unparalleled stability—so much so that even in winds equivalent to a Category 10 storm, a candle flame remains steady. As a result, "China's precision" is shifting from catching up to setting the pace, laying a robust technological foundation for precision manufacturing in the era of the angstrom and redefining the very boundaries of high-end manufacturing stability.

Other companies in the forefront have also achieved remarkable success in their respective fields. Jingfan Biopharmaceutical Technology (Wuhan) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Jingfan Pharma") boasts multiple core technologies in the biopharmaceutical sector, and its gene-based drugs—developed and produced in-house—have garnered significant attention from the market. Meanwhile, Xuanwu Stone Semiconductor focuses on analog and mixed-signal chip design, dedicated to delivering automotive-grade analog chip products and services that are competitive on an international scale.

Over 80 percent are deeply rooted in cutting-edge industries—ranging from Hydratech’s robotic joint servo systems, to Jingfan Pharmaceutical’s gene therapy vectors, and even Xuanwu Stone Semiconductor’s silicon carbide devices. The technological blueprints of these 100 companies precisely mirror the strategic layout of the nation’s emerging, high-priority industries.

These companies, deeply rooted in cutting-edge industries, have not only driven their own growth but also contributed significantly to Optics Valley's industrial upgrading and technological innovation. Take gene therapy vectors as an example: as gene therapy technology continues to advance, the demand for these vectors has grown steadily. Jingfan Pharmaceutical specializes in the research, development, and production of gene therapy vectors, with its products achieving internationally advanced levels in both safety and efficacy—providing robust support for the clinical application of gene therapy technologies.

CoreTech engineers are currently conducting equipment debugging.

Micro-innovation exemplars: The survival rules for technology breakthrough pioneers

In the Optics Valley Gazelle Enterprise Cultivation Database, enterprises at different stages of development showcase diverse innovation ecosystems.

Xinlike represents a "disruptive innovator." This team, jointly incubated by Huazhong University of Science and Technology and the National Innovation Center for Digital Design and Manufacturing, has successfully turned over 20 years of laboratory-developed technology into industrial applications. In the first half of this year, they secured cumulative funding of approximately 30 million yuan. "Being selected for 'Gazelle Selection' is a stepping stone—we want to showcase the opportunities here to the world's top talent," said Xu Zhoulong confidently during an interview with reporters.

“‘Gazelle Selection’ primarily consists of companies recognized as Gazelles, but we’ve also reserved a pathway for a small number of high-potential entrepreneurs who are just getting started,” explained Zhao Rongkai. “For instance, companies like Xinlike, which secured tens of millions of yuan in funding right from their inception, may not have gone through a full growth cycle yet—but their strong technological capabilities have already been validated by the capital market.”

Although Xinlike has only been established for one year, it has already forged deep partnerships with leading domestic wafer manufacturers. Its technology stems from over 20 years of research accumulated by Professor Yin Zhouping’s team at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, giving the company ownership of more than 100 intellectual property rights. "After our thermal compression bonding equipment broke the foreign monopoly, we’ve received collaboration invitations from several major semiconductor giants," revealed Xu Zhoulung.

Hydratight, meanwhile, is pursuing a path of "incremental innovation." Over the past four years, this company—focused on servo control technology—has continuously refined its products, reducing the weight of core components for robotic joints from kilograms down to just a few dozen grams. "The booming demand for miniature servo valves in defense and aerospace applications has pushed us to constantly push beyond physical limits," says Yuan Lei. In the test video he showcased, a quadruped robot equipped with their servo valve effortlessly navigated through complex terrain.

According to reports, Hydratight is a global leader in additive-manufactured rotary direct-drive servo valves. Leveraging a generative design approach powered by machine learning, combined with advanced 3D printing technology, the company has achieved hydraulic flow channel designs for servo valves that feature high volumetric density, exceptional pressure resistance, and minimal flow path losses. Additionally, by integrating ultra-spiral adaptive sliding-mode control technology, Hydratight has developed and optimized high-power-density motors for precise and rapid performance. This innovative approach results in domestically produced direct-drive servo valves that boast compact size, robust contamination resistance, superior precision, swift frequency response, and unmatched reliability—making them stand out in the industry.

Haitaitek's founding team is composed of industry experts from aerospace, military technology, additive manufacturing, motor control, robotics, and other fields—each bringing unparalleled industry expertise and the ability to successfully translate innovation into real-world applications. The company has long been committed to driving technological advancements while delivering high-value-added products to its downstream customers. To date, Haitaitek holds over 10 core invention patents, along with more than 30 utility model and software copyrights, and has achieved breakthroughs in the critical "bottleneck" technology surrounding servo valves—essential components that have historically posed significant challenges for domestic manufacturers. With end-to-end capabilities spanning R&D, industrialization, and high-quality delivery, Haitaitek's servo valve products boast core technical performance metrics that now rival the world's leading standards.

Meanwhile, the companies featured on the "Potential Stars" list signal the budding seeds of future industrial transformation.

Zhao Wei, General Manager of Friend Laser Photonics Co.,Ltd.  delivered a financing pitch as the representative of the company listed as a "Potential Star." "We have been deeply rooted in the optical communication industry for nearly 15 years, developing two major product lines—high-speed AI & automotive optical communications, and intelligent sensing. Remarkably, less than half a year after our company was founded and began operations, we successfully completed the EVT sample of our 50G-PON product for 10-gigabit networks and simultaneously started sending samples to targeted customers. Meanwhile, we’ve already secured three patent applications," said Zhao Wei.

Zhong Xing, Deputy General Manager of Wuhan Optics Valley Financial Holdings Group, pointed out that after an open call for applications, on-site visits, and expert reviews, a total of 20 companies were selected for the "Optics Valley Potential Stars" list for 2025. The "Potential Stars" list focuses on identifying disruptive technology startups, evaluating them across multiple dimensions—including team strength, market prospects, business models, technological leadership, and growth potential. These listed companies are currently in a rapid growth phase, spanning industries such as biopharmaceuticals, semiconductors, new energy, and information science, and have already demonstrated significant technological advancements within their respective fields. Moving forward, Optics Valley will establish a comprehensive sci-tech innovation financial service system covering the entire enterprise lifecycle, providing companies with all-around support—from R&D to market expansion.

Ecosystem chain forging: from solo enterprise efforts to systematic collaboration

On July 16, a special signing ceremony was quietly taking place at the press conference venue.

Ten companies, including Xinlike and Jingfan Pharmaceutical, have reached financing cooperation intentions with financial investment institutions; meanwhile, five enterprises—such as Xuanwu Stone Semiconductor—took to the roadshow stage, presenting their technology roadmaps to more than 30 investment firms.

According to reports, Jingfan Pharmaceutical was founded in 2022 and, within just two years of its establishment, successfully secured tens of millions of yuan in Pre-A funding and over 100 million yuan in A-round financing. The company offers comprehensive CRO/CDMO services spanning viral vectors, proteins, and vaccines, backed by a globally leading, scalable AAV manufacturing platform equipped with proprietary patent technology. Additionally, it boasts state-of-the-art virus vector/cGMP-grade protein and vaccine production facilities, all dedicated to advancing gene therapies, protein-based drugs, and therapeutic vaccines—making them more effective, safer, cost-efficient, and accessible—while empowering clients and ultimately benefiting patients.

"After securing funding, we will continue to deepen our expertise in scientific fields such as viral vectors, proteins, and vaccines, firmly aiming to become the core engine driving the accelerated translation of innovative global drugs. Leveraging our world-leading insect baculovirus platform and proprietary core technologies, we will consistently contribute pivotal strength to Donghu High-Tech’s biopharmaceutical industry, injecting powerful momentum into the high-quality development of the life sciences and healthcare sector, empowering global new drug research and development, and ultimately benefiting human health," said a representative from Jingfan Pharmaceutical.

Notably, "Optics Valley is currently building the country's first gazelle enterprise service platform—'Optics Valley Gazelle Yuan.' Rooted in the real needs of 'Gazelle Select' companies, it collaborates with renowned investment firms and specialized service providers to tailor a series of engaging activities, including track-focused discussions, dual roadshows for fundraising and investor engagement, industry immersions, and initiatives aimed at broadening strategic insights. These efforts are designed to empower businesses with financial support, innovative应用场景, and enhanced management capabilities." As Zhao Rongkai unveiled the new plan, a vast expanse of loess plateau appeared on the screen behind him, "Just as the loess plateau nurtures life, we aim to provide enterprises with the sunshine, fertile soil, and nourishment they need to thrive and grow."

“In the past, we were working alone, but now it feels like we’ve joined a special forces unit,” remarked an entrepreneur representative, who recently joined a delegation organized by Guanggu on a study tour to Silicon Valley in the U.S., visiting Stanford University and Facebook headquarters—and engaging in deep exchanges with local entrepreneurs. He also traveled to Israel, exploring Tel Aviv’s Innovation Center and the Fahai High-Tech Park, where he held technical discussions and facilitated project collaborations with local scientists and business leaders. Back home, he completely revamped his production line’s smart integration plan.

The capital perspective is also undergoing a transformation. Wang Chengjun, Vice President of Yangtze Securities, observed a new trend: "Through capital market reforms, the nation is building a closed-loop innovation ecosystem encompassing 'R&D—incubation—industrialization—capital circulation.' This not only provides broader growth opportunities for hard-tech enterprises but also encourages social capital to increasingly invest in early-stage, high-risk core technology R&D areas." Looking ahead, as policies continue to deepen, the capital market is expected to further serve as both a "booster" and a "stabilizer" for hard-tech innovation. Meanwhile, at the event, Yangtze Securities experts conducted an exclusive training session, sharing practical insights on key considerations for mergers and acquisitions during the growth phase of gazelle companies.

The next chapter for World Optics Valley: from follower to trendsetter

Looking back from this historic milestone of having cumulatively nurtured 1,862 gazelle enterprises, Guanggu's journey of advancement closely mirrors the deep-seated currents driving the nation's industrial transformation.

In 2011, the first batch of 30 recognized Gazelle enterprises was primarily concentrated in contract manufacturing sectors such as optoelectronics and software outsourcing. However, by 2025, over 85% of the 100 "Gazelle Select" companies were already involved in shaping international industry standards. "Our servo valve's response speed parameters have even been requested by international customers to be included in their procurement criteria," proudly shared Yuan Lei, Deputy General Manager of Hydratight, as he showcased an English email.

From the perspective of Luo Zhuo, founding partner at Qingkong Ginkgo Venture Investment Management Company, this transformation is inevitable: "Optics Valley has already seen a chemical reaction emerge from its scientific and educational resources, industrial support systems, and concentrated capital. When these three key elements converge at a critical juncture, qualitative change naturally takes place." The companies invested in by his firm—such as Lude Environment and Xinchuangyuan—have grown from their early "gazelle" status into industry leaders today.

“Building a corporate pipeline is like nurturing a forest,” said a relevant official from Donghu High-tech Zone, using an ecological metaphor. “Just as a forest needs both towering trees and dense shrubs, our ‘high-tech enterprise—Gazelle enterprise—leading enterprise’ tiered cultivation approach is essentially about creating a multi-layered innovation ecosystem.” Moving forward, we will focus on leveraging the “Gazelle Selection” nurturing system, addressing the key pain points and challenges in company growth by further integrating policy, financial, and service resources. Our goal is to provide enterprises with the ‘sunshine, soil, air, and water’ they need to thrive, helping them accelerate their leap forward. Over the next three years, Optics Valley plans to help more than 30 Gazelle companies go public on capital markets.

In Guanggu, the land that once gave birth to China's first optical fiber and now shines brightly like a blazing torch, the rhythmic footsteps of hundreds of gazelles are gathering into the thunderous roar of burgeoning, cutting-edge productivity. Within their steady cadence lies the emerging outline of a world-class science and innovation hub.

Hydratight attends the German exhibition

This magazine's reporter: Luo Juan

Editor: Yu Panliang

Editor: Ma Ruoshi

Reviewed by: Su Jinsong

Presented by: China High-Tech Zone Magazine