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Last October, the <a href="https://ksac.site/">Kansai Startup Academia Coalition</a> (KSAC) brought its vision for university-led innovation to Singapore, showing how academic research can move from the lab to ventures that address global challenges. The inaugural program, <a href="https://kr-asia.com/meet-japans-brightest-research-minds-at-ksacs-singapore-event-this-october">“Lab to Market: Exploring Kansai's Top Research with KSAC,”</a> highlighted advances in energy and healthcare and opened the door to closer collaboration between Kansai’s universities and Singapore’s startup ecosystem.
This year, the partnership is set to deepen. On October 29, KSAC will return to Singapore with its second edition, “From Lab to Global Stage: Kansai Deep Tech Showcase.” Held at Marina Bay Sands as part of TechInnovation 2025, the event will feature researchers from the Kansai region working in cutting-edge fields including regenerative medicine, diagnostics, biomaterials, and advanced engineering.
<h3>Meet Kansai’s top innovators</h3>
At the event, five researchers will present projects with direct applications to urgent global challenges:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Fumiyuki Hattori of Kansai Medical University is developing therapies that use nail stem cells to restore fingertips lost to burns, accidents, or amputations. With numerous cases reported each year in the US and Japan, and limited treatment options available, his approach could set a new standard in regenerative therapy and create opportunities in emerging medical markets.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Yoichi Kumada of Kyoto Institute of Technology is advancing recombinant antibody technologies to address the limitations of conventional, animal-derived antibodies. His engineered fragments are designed for scalability, cost efficiency, and ethical production, with immediate applications in rapid testing for healthcare, veterinary, and environmental use.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Shu Ishikawa of Kobe University is working on a polymer derived from Bacillus subtilis that can be applied in biodegradable plastics, superabsorbent materials, and medical products. His platform technology prioritizes efficiency and sustainability, offering industries a viable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Daiki Watanabe of the University of Osaka has designed an impeller-free mixing device that avoids contamination and shear damage, making it especially suited for sensitive processes such as stem cell culture and cultivated meat production. Combined with advanced simulations, his approach could accelerate the development of next-generation biomanufacturing systems.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Kentaro Yaji of the University of Osaka leads research in thermal-fluid topology optimization, targeting one of industry’s most persistent challenges: heat management. His platform reduces the design cycle for cooling systems from weeks to days, with potential applications in electric vehicle batteries, aerospace, data centers, and quantum devices.</li>
</ul>
The session will also feature a keynote speech by Gwendolin Mah, head of international programs at MedTech Actuator, who has global experience connecting health tech innovators with clinicians and investors.
Mah’s address will focus on the global potential of startups emerging from Kansai’s universities, where a robust IP base, strong institutional backbone, and an active industry ecosystem provide fertile ground for growth. She will also discuss how Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore, can serve as a gateway for collaboration, clinical validation, and market entry.
<h3>Why attend?</h3>
Beyond the individual breakthroughs, the showcase highlights intersecting themes that signal where deep tech is heading.
In healthcare, the lineup spans Hattori’s regenerative therapies, Kumada’s diagnostic tools, and Watanabe’s bioprocessing technologies. Together, they suggest new ways to treat patients and develop therapies.
In sustainability, Ishikawa’s biopolymers and Yaji’s energy-efficient design platforms point to pathways for industries to reduce reliance on fossil-based inputs and lower emissions.
A common thread across these projects is their platform potential. Rather than stopping at a single product, each offers a technological foundation adaptable to multiple applications and markets. For investors and industry partners, the opportunity is not just to support a promising development but to engage with innovations that could seed entirely new markets.
The timing is also strategic. Japan has set a five-year target of cultivating 100,000 startups and 100 unicorns by 2027, with deep tech at the core of that plan. KSAC, which brings together more than 90 universities, research institutions, and local governments in the Kansai region, is working to turn academic research into commercially viable ventures. By anchoring the showcase within the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH), one of Asia’s leading innovation festivals, KSAC signals its intent to connect Japan’s emerging startups with global markets through Singapore.
<h3>Event details</h3>
“Lab to Global Stage” will include presentations from the researchers, followed by networking sessions where attendees can discuss potential collaborations and partnerships. Investors, industry experts, and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to explore how these innovations might scale globally.
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Time: 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Singapore time).</li>
<li aria-level="1">Venue: Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Level 3, Heliconia Ballroom and Hibiscus Ballroom, Level 3, 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956</li>
<li aria-level="1">Registration: Free. <a href="https://www.techinnovation.com.sg/event/da8a993f-9ff4-4e06-9033-b68936e5e578/regProcessStep1">Prior signup</a> for TechInnovation 2025 is required, as the session will be held within the broader event grounds.</li>
</ul>
Early registration is recommended as spaces are limited to 50–60 participants. Register or find out more about “Lab to Global Stage” by visiting <a href="https://ksac.site/tech-innovation2025/">this page</a>.
Join the event and be part of the discussion on how university-driven innovation can shape the future at this event.
About the event: “From Lab to Global Stage: Kansai Deep Tech Showcase” is organized with support from the <a href="https://www.obda.or.jp/en.html">Osaka Business Development Agency (OBDA)</a>.
This article was published in partnership with KSAC. KrASIA is an event partner for “From Lab to Global Stage: Kansai Deep Tech Showcase,” set to be held on October 29, 2025.

Kansai researchers to showcase frontier innovation in Singapore at KSAC’s October event

Japan

Events

… infrastructure.
As blockchain and digital currencies move from speculation to real-world use cases, Yunfeng Financial is positioning itself as a bridge between traditional assets and Web3. By bringing insurance, funds, and other real-world assets on-chain, it could help create a marketplace for tokenized assets.
Still, risks remain. Crypto markets are volatile, and Yunfeng Financial has indicated plans to buy more digital assets beyond Ethereum. That could expose its balance sheet to price fluctuations, potentially affecting investor returns.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3477549596580483">article</a> was written by Wang Hanyu for 36Kr.

Is Yunfeng Financial becoming Jack Ma’s next Ant Group?

Fintech

Blockchain

Payments

Digital Banks

Insurance

Cryptocurrencies

China

<a href="/company/catl">Contemporary Amperex Technology</a> (CATL) is reportedly preparing to launch a new 8-series high-nickel battery in 2026. The packs will be installed in range-extended vehicles from leading <a href="/industry/ev">electric vehicle</a> makers.
The 8-series high-nickel battery is a type of ternary lithium battery. Its cathode materials contain about 80% nickel, with the rest split between cobalt and manganese, which gives the battery its name.
This chemistry once had its moment in the spotlight.
A few years ago, 8-series batteries powered dozens of models across more than ten brands, including Aion, <a href="/company/nio">Nio</a>, and <a href="/company/xpeng">Xpeng</a>. But the technology was still in its early stages, verification was incomplete, and thermal management solutions were underdeveloped. Reports of thermal runaway incidents were common.
For a time, the industry treated the “8-series” label with caution. Yet CATL insisted it would not abandon development, arguing that giving up on 8-series batteries would mean giving up on the premium market.
The push for larger batteries in plug-in hybrid cars, including range-extended models, has created an opening for the technology to return.
Some range-extended models launched this year already feature packs exceeding 60 kilowatt-hours. By next year, according to 36Kr, plug-in hybrid vehicles, including range-extended ones, are expected to carry packs approaching 80 kWh.
Preliminary tracking by 36Kr suggests at least four models with around 80 kWh capacity are already in the pipeline. These include <a href="/company/leapmotor">Leapmotor’s</a> upcoming D series and <a href="/company/xiaomi">Xiaomi’s</a> range-extended car scheduled for release next year.
While not all of these vehicles will adopt CATL’s 8-series batteries, the race for bigger packs and longer electric-only ranges is creating a clear opportunity for high-nickel chemistry.
Compared with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, 8-series batteries deliver higher energy density per unit mass and better overall performance. This enables vehicles to achieve long range with smaller packs, reducing overall weight while maintaining power.
According to one industry insider, early evaluations suggest that the performance boost over mid-nickel batteries is not dramatic in system-level energy density. Still, for platforms already at the edge of their engineering limits, the technology is worth testing.
<h3>Cars are packing bigger batteries</h3>
In recent years, the drive for longer electric-only range has led automakers to install larger packs in plug-in hybrid and range-extended models.
Some vehicles launched this year already carry batteries rated above 60 kWh. For instance, IM Motors’ LS6 range-extended edition comes with CATL’s “Super Xiaoyao Max” battery, delivering 66 kWh and a CLTC-certified range of more than 450 kilometers, outpacing some fully electric models.
<blockquote>CLTC refers to the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle, a standard introduced by the Chinese government to measure energy consumption, range, and emissions.</blockquote>
Another example is Maextro’s S800 “Xinghui Executive” edition, which uses CATL’s Qilin battery and achieves a CLTC-rated range of 400 km.
Nearly half of all range-extended vehicles now on the market offer more than 200 km of electric-only range.
The trend will accelerate next year.
Leapmotor’s D platform will support 80 kWh packs across multiple vehicles, including the D19 SUV and an MPV. Both are expected to reach a pure electric range of 500 km. Xiaomi’s upcoming range-extended vehicle will also use a pack close to 80 kWh, while Great Wall Motor has confirmed plans for a plug-in hybrid model with an 80 kWh pack and a pure electric range of more than 400 km.
whereRelatedArticle
If automakers use LFP batteries to reach 500 km of range, the only option is to stack more modules, which makes vehicles significantly heavier. Industry insiders estimate that some of next year’s plug-in hybrids and range-extended cars could exceed three tons.
Beyond weight, overpacking batteries could affect crash safety and overall vehicle stability.
That means bigger packs aren’t a universal solution. Thus, for automakers seeking to balance range, weight, safety, and handling, high-nickel batteries are emerging as an alternative.
<h3>Promise and risks of high-nickel batteries</h3>
Still, 8-series batteries come with challenges.
Increasing nickel content reduces thermal stability and shortens cycle life. For this reason, most of today’s mainstream ternary batteries use mid-nickel chemistries, which include 40–50% cobalt and manganese in varying ratios.
These mid-nickel batteries already offer a reasonable balance between range, weight, crash safety, and performance, making them suitable for many plug-in and range-extended vehicles.
Even so, some automakers are betting on 8-series packs. The appeal is twofold: the potential for longer range and stronger performance in a competitive market, and the chance to use high-nickel batteries as a trope to shape consumer perception.
For CATL, the stakes are higher. Its dominance in ternary batteries is being eroded by the rise of LFP chemistry, and it needs a product that can restore both the relevance of high-nickel cells and its influence in the industry.
By relaunching 8-series batteries after years of dormancy, CATL is signaling progress in thermal management and cycle life technology that could address earlier shortcomings.
But uncertainty lingers.
Although 8-series batteries reduce cobalt content and ease raw material procurement costs, production and R&amp;D remain expensive without economies of scale. Vehicles equipped with these packs may not see significantly lower costs despite their smaller size.
Whether high-nickel prismatic batteries can reclaim a place in the mainstream remains an open question.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3480804506721157">article</a> was written by Fan Shuqi for 36Kr.

CATL’s 8-series battery comeback signals push to restore edge in ternary cells

East Asia

Deep Tech

Batteries

Energy

Battery

As global manufacturing accelerates its tech-driven evolution, Chinese factories are at a turning point, moving from scale-driven growth to efficiency-focused upgrades. Yet they remain constrained by three challenges: equipment that operates in isolation, fragmented technologies that are difficult to integrate, and rising energy costs that complicate decarbonization.
The sector’s response has been a shift from single-point automation to system-wide upgrades aimed at improving efficiency while adapting to market volatility.
In an interview with Chinese media, Inovance chairman Zhu Xingming predicted that wireless operations will become the norm on industrial floors within the next five years. Based on this trend, Inovance has outlined a strategy built on four pillars:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">High-end manufacturing: With consumers demanding better quality of life, manufacturers must refine processes to deliver superior products and services.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Greener production: To align with global sustainability goals, factories need to cut energy use and waste while adopting more sustainable production models.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Intelligence: Smart manufacturing goes beyond task automation. It involves using <a href="/industry/ai">artificial intelligence</a> and <a href="/industry/robotics">robotics</a> to shift more work to machines that can learn and make decisions, enhancing efficiency and flexibility.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Internationalization: China’s manufacturing sector has advanced through three stages of globalization, first exporting goods made in China, then moving production capacity abroad, and now entering a “global for local” phase that integrates international R&amp;D talent, engineers, industrial workers, and supply chains to support localized operations.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Showcasing system-level solutions</h3>
At the China International Industry Fair on September 23 in Shanghai, Inovance departed from the equipment-heavy exhibits typical of industrial expos. Instead, it presented an end-to-end digital solution spanning design, manufacturing, energy, and operations.
In practice, factories face bottlenecks such as complex cabling, slow fault diagnostics, and difficult equipment maintenance. To address these, Inovance has developed four system architectures designed to drive automation upgrades toward greater flexibility and intelligence.
For decades, wired communication between machines has limited production flexibility and efficiency. Dense cabling raises installation costs and complicates maintenance. To overcome this, Inovance introduced its Ino Air wireless synchronized motion control system, which supports a one-millisecond communication cycle, microsecond-level synchronization jitter, and industrial-grade reliability. Already deployed in the world’s first wireless labeling machine, Ino Air is designed to eliminate cable constraints and shorten production line upgrade cycles.
On the energy and data side, Inovance launched an intelligent drive system that integrates flat-wire motors with wireless frequency conversion technology, linking energy and data flows. Its intelligent motion control system unifies data flow, control flow, and safety monitoring flow, enabling secure information exchange across production lines.
For maintenance, Inovance’s IPT210 valve island can reportedly compress fault detection from hours to milliseconds, reducing losses from unplanned downtime.
In precision operations, Inovance’s robots achieve a load-to-weight ratio exceeding 0.5. Its seven-axis bionic arm, built with full-joint torque sensing, delivers high-precision force control for complex remote tasks. These systems are already deployed in machine tool processing, injection molding, and new energy production lines.
<h3>Preparing for humanoid robots</h3>
As <a href="/industry/embodied-intelligence">embodied intelligence</a> moves from labs to industry, humanoid robots are emerging as a key technology to lower labor costs and handle high-risk tasks. Inovance is focusing on industrializing humanoid robotics with a full-stack solution spanning hardware and AI.
On the hardware side, it has developed integrated planetary joint actuators and high-torque-density frameless motors. These components, capable of operating continuously for tens of thousands of hours, provide compact but durable “muscles and bones” for humanoid robots. Their resilience makes them suitable for tasks such as automotive welding, chemical inspections, and machining in hazardous environments.
On the software side, Inovance has built the iFG platform, described as a “digital employee incubator.” It combines a data engine with low-code tools to transform raw data into training material and allows non-specialists to build task-specific AI agents. By coordinating large and small models, the system can interpret complex instructions while delivering millisecond-level responses, balancing intelligence with real-time performance.
“Looking ahead, the most promising application of AI will be in intelligent robots, especially humanoid robots,” Zhu said. “With sharper tactile senses, better vision systems, and the ability to perform complex tasks and make decisions, humanoid robots will increasingly take on human work. This may well become the most important direction for AI replacing human labor. In manufacturing, AI will permeate every stage—people, machines, materials, methods, and environments—but the biggest transformation will come from human-machine collaboration.”
He added, “As this shift unfolds, Chinese companies must adopt a more integrated, localized approach to internationalization. By aligning intelligent manufacturing capabilities with global industrial needs, they can help build the manufacturing ecosystems of the future.”
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3480608171367559">article</a> was written by Huang Nan for 36Kr.

Inovance maps four-pillar strategy as Chinese factories face upgrade era

36Kr has learned that from August 2024 to July 2025, Douyin E-commerce’s gross merchandise value (GMV) grew 34% year-on-year. The main driver was shelf-based <a href="/industry/e-commerce">e-commerce</a>, where GMV rose 49%, outpacing overall platform growth.
Earlier, the media outlet reported that <a href="/company/douyin">Douyin’s</a> GMV reached RMB 3.5 trillion (USD 490 billion) in 2024, about 30% higher than the year before. This suggests that even as China’s broader e-commerce market slowed, Douyin managed to sustain steady expansion.
Shelf-based e-commerce has grown rapidly in part due to subsidies. During this year’s 618 shopping festival, the category generated RMB 200 billion (USD 28 billion) in GMV, nearly half of total sales, per 36Kr. Douyin declined to comment on the figures.
The company has been laying the groundwork for this shift since mid-2022, when it introduced a dedicated mall tab and later a standalone app. At the time, president Wei Wenwen said Douyin would focus on search and mall functions, with the goal of having shelf-based e-commerce account for more than half of sales.
A source close to the company said Douyin had set a three-year plan for shelf-based e-commerce: 30% of GMV in the first year, 40% in the second, and 50% in the third. So far, the plan has held. Shelf e-commerce contributed 30% of GMV in 2023, 40% in 2024, and, based on results from this year’s 618 festival, appears to have reached 50% in 2025.
Douyin has also adjusted its broader strategy. It now emphasizes supporting merchants by lowering costs and improving profitability. “The platform can only grow if merchants grow,” the company said in a statement. By the end of 2024, reducing merchant operating costs had become its central goal for 2025.
This focus has driven structural changes. In March, 36Kr reported that Ocean Engine, Douyin’s advertising arm, was merged into Douyin E-commerce as a secondary division. Two separate algorithm teams, one for Ocean Engine and the other for e-commerce, were also combined.
As a result, Ocean Engine is no longer focused solely on ad revenues. It must now work alongside product and operations teams to improve GMV, merchant performance, and user experience. The challenge lies in balancing merchants’ advertising returns, user satisfaction, and platform efficiency.
By consolidating product and algorithm teams, Douyin can better align its two major traffic streams. For instance, user coupons once limited to paid ad placements can now also be distributed through organic channels, broadening their reach and extending subsidies to more merchants.
In January, Douyin rolled out nine new merchant support policies. A central priority was refining its algorithms, with more investment in technology to optimize traffic distribution, raise exposure for quality products and content, and lower return rates—all aimed at cutting merchant costs.
ByteDance later reassigned sales and industry operations teams specializing in performance ads to Douyin E-commerce, streamlining merchant engagement.
Subsidy policies have shifted as well, from consumers to merchants. By the end of August, Douyin reported disbursing more than RMB 19 billion (USD 2.7 billion) in subsidies to help merchants lower costs and improve margins. Competitors have also been offering subsidies, reduced commissions, and advertising rebates.
On September 21, at its annual creator conference, Douyin introduced new platform rules and enforcement standards. Over the past year, it reportedly removed more than 13 million pieces of noncompliant content and revoked 470,000 selling privileges. Influencers who engaged in traffic-grabbing stunts were also sanctioned, with some receiving permanent bans.
Despite the visibility of influencers with sizable followings, their contribution to sales is modest. Accounts with more than one million followers generate about 9% of GMV, while those with fewer than one million followers contribute around 21%.
At the same time, instant retail, dominated by food delivery platforms, is intensifying in China. A source told 36Kr that Douyin plans to limit its investment in this competition and instead focus on strengthening its core e-commerce services and improving user experience.
On September 16, the company launched its Mid-Autumn Festival and Singles’ Day promotions, marking its next major push for growth.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3480136952077441">article</a> was written by Li Xiaoxia for 36Kr.

Douyin reshapes strategy to cut merchant costs as GMV grows

Douyin

On-demand Services

E-commerce

Consumer Economy

… directed toward supply chain optimization, product upgrades, and channel development. Cyanine Tech develops flexible transport robots and dispatch systems for unstructured industrial settings. In 2022, it secured angel funding from Toppan, the Japan-based printing giant. —<a href="https://36kr.com/p/3477581258840455">36Kr</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.mova.sg/">Mova</a>, a power tool developer, has raised an eight-figure RMB sum in an angel round of financing. Investor details were not disclosed. The company plans to use the capital to strengthen R&amp;D, expand its innovation pipeline, and accelerate development across its industrial ecosystem. —<a href="https://36kr.com/p/3470694113777029">36Kr</a></li>
</ul>
whereRelatedArticle
<h3>Carro, Dat Bike, Atomionics, and more made recent headlines:</h3>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Carro, an online automotive marketplace in the Asia Pacific, raised USD 60 million in a round led by Cool Japan Fund, Japan’s sovereign wealth fund, with participation from new investors.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://dat.bike/en">Dat Bike</a>, a Vietnamese electric motorbike manufacturer, raised USD 22 million in a Series B round led by Japan-listed clutch manufacturer FCC and venture firm Rebright Partners, with participation from Jungle Ventures, Cathay Venture, and AiViet Venture.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.atomionics.com/">Atomionics</a>, a Singapore-based startup developing quantum sensors for subsurface exploration and navigation, raised USD 12.7 million in a pre-Series A round led by Paspalis, with participation from BHP Ventures, IQT, Wavemaker Partners, VU Venture Partners, SG Growth Capital, and others.</li>
</ul>
If there are any news or updates you'd like us to feature, get in touch with us at: <a href="mailto:hello@kr-asia.com">hello@kr-asia.com</a>.

Deals in brief: Nvsion secures funding from Cambrian, Naver invests in GravityLabs, five China startups raise capital, and more

Venture Capital

Private Equity

Investment

Merger &amp; Acquisition

Singapore

Malaysia

Indonesia

South Korea

Southeast Asia

GEM, a leading enterprise in the resource recycling sector, has submitted an application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for a proposed IPO. JPMorgan, CITIC Securities, and China Securities International are acting as joint sponsors.
The proposed listing comes against a backdrop of intensifying resource scarcity and growing ecological pressures, factors that are pushing recycling and recovery to the forefront of global sustainability strategies. The recycling industry is increasingly viewed as a central pillar in efforts to secure critical resources and meet environmental targets.
<h3>Global footprint and integrated business model</h3>
GEM has built its reputation as a pioneer in recycling critical metals and lithium-ion batteries, and as a leading manufacturer of new energy materials. Its dual business model—combining urban mining with new energy materials manufacturing—is designed to reduce pollution, regenerate resources, and create a closed-loop approach to material use. In doing so, the company aligns its growth with international carbon reduction and neutrality goals while advancing the principles of green development.
The company has expanded its international reach, building a cost-competitive global supply chain network that supports both resource security and market growth. Among its milestones, GEM was one of the first Chinese new energy material enterprises to establish large-scale production in Indonesia. There, it has developed a full industrial chain covering laterite nickel ore, mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), nickel sulphate crystals, electrolytic nickel, ternary precursors, and cathode materials.
By adapting its China-based integrated model to Indonesia’s local resource conditions, market needs, and policy environment, GEM has reinforced production efficiency while laying the foundation for broader global competitiveness. As of June 30, the company operated 13 production bases across China, Indonesia, and South Africa. In addition, it holds equity interests in production facilities in China, Indonesia, and South Korea.
<h3>Use of proceeds and strategic initiatives</h3>
GEM intends to use proceeds from the proposed IPO to strengthen its business in several key areas:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Expanding production capacity at its Jingmen base, with a focus on critical metals and lithium-ion battery recycling.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Enhancing global R&amp;D and technological innovation capabilities to drive advances in recycling technologies and new energy materials.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Building out international sales and marketing networks to support its global customer base.</li>
</ul>
Beyond these priorities, the company plans to pursue strategic investments, mergers, and acquisitions aimed at optimizing resources, diversifying its business, and creating new profit drivers. A portion of the proceeds will also be reserved for working capital and general corporate purposes to ensure steady operational support.
These initiatives are expected to expand GEM’s production capabilities to meet accelerating global demand for new energy materials, while consolidating its leadership in resource recycling and advanced battery R&amp;D. By extending its sales reach internationally, GEM also aims to strengthen its brand influence and capture additional market share, providing momentum for long-term global growth.
<h3>About GEM</h3>
Founded in 2001, GEM is a global leader in the circular economy and new energy materials. Its operations span the recycling of end-of-life batteries, electronic waste, and vehicles, as well as the production of cathode and precursor materials for lithium-based batteries. The company generates more than RMB 33 billion (USD 4.6 billion) in annual output and, as of the end of 2023, has applied for 3,767 patents, with 1,755 globally authorized and valid.
GEM is dual-listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and the SIX Swiss Exchange, and it is committed to advancing sustainable, low-carbon development while building responsible and resilient global supply chains.
This press release was published in partnership with <a href="https://en.gem.com.cn/">GEM</a>.

GEM files for Hong Kong IPO to strengthen capacity, innovation, and international expansion

<a href="https://beatbot.com/">Beatbot</a>, a Chinese company that develops high-end robotic pool cleaners, has raised around RMB 1 billion (USD 140 million) in a new funding round led by DragonBall Capital, the investment arm of <a href="/company/meituan">Meituan</a>. Existing backers including Hillhouse Capital, Shunwei Capital, Cathay Capital, Source Code Capital, Anker Innovations, Monolith, and Yunmu Capital also increased their stakes. Yunmu Capital remains the company’s long-term financial advisor.
The proceeds will be used for R&amp;D and product iteration, international expansion, recruitment of global talent, and exploration of new applications for its technology.
Founded in July 2022, Beatbot has developed proprietary systems such as high-speed brushless pumps, autonomous underwater vehicle motion control, and sonar- and laser-based SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) navigation. Its pool cleaning robots are designed to combine efficiency, autonomy, and ease of use.
CEO Wang Shengle, who previously worked at a leading Chinese consumer <a href="/industry/robotics">robotics</a> company, brings more than a decade of R&amp;D and product development experience. He helped launch robotic vacuum cleaners and window cleaning robots before founding Beatbot.
The global swimming pool market is projected to grow from USD 8.9 billion in 2025 to USD 11.54 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate of 5.3%, according to <a href="https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/global-swimmingpool-market">Mordor Intelligence</a>. North America accounts for about one-third of the market due to its large number of residential pools and higher discretionary spending.
Traditional pool maintenance is labor-intensive and costly. Robotic pool cleaners are being adopted at a rate of roughly 25% annually, though innovation has been limited. Beatbot is positioning itself as a premium provider, with an average selling price above USD 2,000.
In 2024, the company introduced the AquaSense and AquaSense Pro, which together generated a nine-figure RMB sum in sales within six months. Beatbot reported an 85% share of China’s online market for robotic pool cleaners priced at USD 1,400 and above during its first year of commercialization.
In January, Beatbot introduced the AquaSense 2 Ultra, which it describes as the world’s first <a href="/industry/ai">artificial intelligence</a>-powered pool cleaning robot with five-in-one capabilities. The model is equipped with 27 sensors, including an AI-compatible camera, infrared, ultrasound, depth, and temperature detectors. Its self-developed brushless motor and buoyancy control system enable wall climbing, precise waterline scrubbing, surface floating, and autonomous docking, and it is designed to adapt to different pool structures and materials.
<figure id="attachment_157519" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-157519" style="width: 1920px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-157519" src="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Beatbot-AquaSense-2-Ultra.jpg" alt="Image of the AquaSense 2 Ultra robot, developed by Beatbot for pool cleaning." width="1920" height="1080" srcset="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Beatbot-AquaSense-2-Ultra.jpg 1920w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Beatbot-AquaSense-2-Ultra-720x405.jpg 720w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Beatbot-AquaSense-2-Ultra-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Beatbot-AquaSense-2-Ultra-768x432.jpg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Beatbot-AquaSense-2-Ultra-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Beatbot-AquaSense-2-Ultra-480x270.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-157519" class="wp-caption-text">Image of the AquaSense 2 Ultra robot, developed by Beatbot for pool cleaning. Image and header image source: Beatbot.</figcaption></figure>
The robot’s software runs on a quad-core processor with Beatbot’s proprietary visual mapping system. Unlike cleaners that rely on random movement or basic navigation, it employs multi-sensor SLAM to map pools, detect debris, and adjust cleaning paths in real time. AI-driven motion control enables the device to operate closely along walls and corners.
User feedback played a role in the design process. Earlier models were heavy and difficult to retrieve after climbing walls. To address this, Beatbot added buoyancy controls, lighter builds, one-click recall, and surface docking. A companion app lets users track cleaning progress remotely.
“Ultimately, the products we bring to market depend on the depth of our user insights and the limits of our technical capabilities,” CEO Wang told 36Kr. He added that Beatbot aims to focus on unmet user needs rather than incremental upgrades: “Differentiated innovation based on real pain points is the path we’ve chosen.”
Beyond pools, Beatbot is extending its robotics expertise to lawn care. The company has started developing robotic lawn mowers, leveraging its work in mobility, sensing, and AI-driven navigation for outdoor applications.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3477953694079616">article</a> was written by Huang Nan for 36Kr.

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Robotics

… src="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/XPPen.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" srcset="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/XPPen.jpg 1920w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/XPPen-720x480.jpg 720w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/XPPen-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/XPPen-768x512.jpg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/XPPen-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-157515" class="wp-caption-text">Image and header image source: Hanvon Ugee.</figcaption></figure>
Building on its strengths in responsiveness and display technology, XPPen is focusing on integrated, intelligent workflows in its upcoming product line.
In AI, the company is developing a proprietary creative system that interprets user intent in real time, analyzes composition, and generates visual suggestions tailored to individual styles. It is also planning a digital copyright platform to record and encrypt creative processes, safeguarding authorship rights.
Regional preferences shape product design as well. East Asian users tend to favor smaller, more refined devices, while users in Europe and the US prefer larger formats with minimalist aesthetics. XPPen tailors its SKUs accordingly.
On the distribution side, the company has built overseas warehouses and sells online through its website, Amazon, and regional e-commerce platforms, including those in smaller-language markets. Offline, it engages users through anime conventions, training centers, electronics retailers, and branded stores.
<figure id="attachment_157516" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-157516" style="width: 1920px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-157516" src="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/XPPen-Tablet.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" srcset="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/XPPen-Tablet.jpg 1920w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/XPPen-Tablet-720x480.jpg 720w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/XPPen-Tablet-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/XPPen-Tablet-768x512.jpg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/XPPen-Tablet-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-157516" class="wp-caption-text">Image source: Hanvon Ugee.</figcaption></figure>
While the user base remains limited in size, it continues to pay for quality. Rather than pursuing mass market success, XPPen focuses on long-term relationships within the creator economy by iterating on professional products, fostering communities, and providing comprehensive support.
As hardware performance converges, differentiation depends on a brand’s ability to deliver reliable, efficient, and engaging creative experiences.
XPPen’s trajectory reflects the strategy of focused hardware companies: sustainable advantages stem not only from technical specifications but also from addressing the evolving needs of specialized users and growing in step with the creator ecosystem.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3450952450004610">article</a> was written by Huang Nan for 36Kr.

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