Four Chinese firms look to shake up tech world in DeepSeek’s wake

The success of the Chinese AI firm DeepSeek shocked financial markets and major US tech firms in January 2025. But it shouldn’t have come as such a surprise.

For decades now, plenty of companies in China have been developing competitive advantages that enable them to make remarkable progress. This involves a strategy different from that of many big Western firms that rely on things like branding (like Apple) and exclusive technology (like Nvidia) to succeed.

Instead, these less-well-known Chinese companies have focused on delivering more innovation faster and cheaper. And our research suggests that they have been able to achieve this by being much more adaptable in how they do business.

So DeepSeek may not be alone as a gamechanger. Here are four more Chinese firms looking to disrupt the global economy in similar ways.

1. DJI Innovations

DJI Innovations makes low-cost drones that produce aerial photography and videos. Founded in 2006 by Frank Wang (who became Asia’s youngest tech billionaire at the age of 36), the company develops camera technology and software as well as engineering drone systems used in industries including agriculture and defence. Its technology has been used in the filming of shows like Better Call Saul and Game of Thrones.

DJI’s cutting-edge research and development involves highly sophisticated automated assembly lines that make more for less cost. This has led to rapid international expansion and foreign partnerships, making the company a dominant player that is tough to compete against.

2. Unitree Robotics

A DJI Innovations spin-off founded in 2016, Unitree Robotics specializes in high-performance quadruped and humanoid robots as well as components such as robotic arms. These products incorporate