radiothebook Chapter 128 Unexpected Support
Chapter 128 Unexpected Support
2020 8 Month 13 Day.
The media storm continues.
Although DJI and Hangxindatong both issued official statements denying a joint crackdown, the public is clearly not buying it.
On the same evening that the two companies issued their statements, an anonymous account claiming to be an employee of Hongyuan's supply chain department posted a long thread on Zhihu—
The post is titled: "I am an employee of Hongyuan, and I will tell you the truth about the MEMS supply disruption."
The post details the timeline of the supply disruption:
7月18日飞鸟S1发布→7月22日村田口头通知暂停供货→7月28日正式发函确认停止供应→8月3日最后一批库存到货后彻底断供。
The post also mentioned details of the obstacles encountered by Xingyao Technology in its packaging and testing contract manufacturing—Xingyao's boss, Han Shijie, reportedly received a "friendly reminder" from a major client, implying that continuing to manufacture for Hongyuan might affect more important cooperative relationships.
"President Han was in a difficult position at the time," the post stated, "but he ultimately chose to continue cooperating with us. It's just that the progress was indeed affected."
This post garnered over 100,000 views in just a few hours.
People were even more furious after reading it.
Because the timeline in the post clearly shows that Murata made the decision to cut off supplies only four days after the release of the Asuka S1.
Four days.
It's impossible for a Japanese company to unilaterally decide to cut off supplies to a Chinese customer within four days. Unless someone had made preparations in advance and was just waiting to launch the Asuka S1 immediately.
"This is not normal business practice; it's a premeditated suppression." In the comments section, netizens reached a remarkably consistent conclusion.
Again and again!
From the closed monopoly of the LDCL standard, to Murata MEMS's targeted supply cut, and then to the pressure from StarShine Packaging and Testing being thwarted—
People have seen a clear chain of suppression: DJI, Hangxindatong, and Murata joined forces to strangle Hongyuan at every link of the supply chain.
Faced with such shameless tactics, people were furious, but also felt a deep sense of powerlessness.
They wanted to help Hongyuan, but were powerless to do so.
They wanted to retaliate, but found that the root cause was that China had almost no presence in the field of core MEMS devices.
If you fall behind, you will be held hostage.
At this point, people finally understood what it meant to "have core technologies in our own hands".
In some university MEMS-related laboratories, professors have noticed an interesting phenomenon—the number of students inquiring about applying for graduate programs in MEMS has suddenly increased in recent days.
"Teacher, I want to study MEMS sensors."
Why did you suddenly become interested in this area?
"Because...I don't want our businesses to be held hostage by foreigners again in the future."
Although these students may not fully understand the technical depth of MEMS, their simple emotions are genuine.
Perhaps ten years from now, some of them will truly become the backbone of China's MEMS industry.
But that was ten years later.
The question now is—who will solve the current predicament?
……
Just as public opinion was fermenting and industry experts were writing articles to discuss how difficult it is to achieve self-sufficiency in MEMS, Hongyuan welcomed a special guest.
January 2020, 8, afternoon.
Chen Zhiyuan, deputy director of the Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission, arrived at the headquarters of Hongyuan in a low-key manner, accompanied by a secretary.
There was no media coverage, no ceremony, and even most of Hongyuan's employees were unaware of it.
Only Su Chen and Zhou Ming were waiting for him in the conference room.
"President Su, Deputy Director Chen has arrived."
Zhou Ming pushed open the door, and a man in his fifties with gray hair but a vigorous spirit walked in.
"Hello, Deputy Director Chen." Su Chen stood up and shook hands.
"Hello, Mr. Su." Chen Zhiyuan smiled and shook hands with Su Chen, then looked around the not-so-large conference room. "I didn't expect Hongyuan's conference room to be so simple."
"We've spent all our money on research and development," Su Chen said with a smile.
"Good, that's more like it." Chen Zhiyuan nodded approvingly, then his smile faded. "President Su, I'm here today to discuss a few things with you in person."
He took a thick document out of his briefcase.
"This is……"
Su Chen looked at the document, his gaze falling on the title on the cover—
Shenzhen Low-Altitude Economy Core Components Localization Support Program (Hongyuan Intelligent Technology Project)
Special project?
Hongyuan Project?!
A hint of surprise flashed in Su Chen's eyes.
He knew that the Science and Technology Innovation Committee had already implicitly supported Hongyuan when it released the "Several Opinions on Accelerating the Domestic Substitution of Core Components for Low-Altitude Economy".
But he didn't expect that the Science and Technology Innovation Committee would create a special support program for Hongyuan.
This is no longer just ordinary policy support.
This is targeted, comprehensive, and systematic support.
Su Chen opened the document and quickly browsed its contents.
Then his expression gradually became serious.
Because the scope of this plan far exceeded his expectations—
First, 3000 million yuan was allocated for special R&D funding for MEMS.
This funding is specifically for the independent research and development of MEMS sensors, including the entire chain of design, manufacturing, and testing. It does not need to be repaid and is a government grant.
Second, special support for industrial land and R&D facilities.
A plot of 8000 square meters of industrial land has been reserved in Guangming District, Shenzhen, for the construction of a MEMS R&D center and pilot production line. The rent is waived for the first three years and halved for the following two years.
Third, special subsidies for talent introduction.
For high-level talents in the MEMS field introduced by Hongyuan, a settlement allowance of up to 200 million yuan and research start-up funds will be provided per person. Technical talents with a master's degree or above will be provided with a housing subsidy of up to 50 yuan per person.
Fourth, low-interest loan quotas.
The Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission coordinated with policy-oriented financial institutions such as Shenzhen High-Tech Investment Group to provide Hongyuan with a low-interest loan of up to 1.5 million yuan, with an interest rate of only 40% of the market rate, for the acquisition and integration of the MEMS industry chain.
Fifth, supply chain collaboration support.
The Science and Technology Innovation Committee will coordinate semiconductor industry resources in Shenzhen and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to provide convenience for Hongyuan's MEMS production line upgrade in terms of equipment procurement and technology integration.
After reading the plan, Su Chen remained silent for a long time.
He looked up at Chen Zhiyuan, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
"Deputy Director Chen, this level of force..."
Su Chen's voice was somewhat hoarse: "To be honest, I didn't expect that."
Chen Zhiyuan looked at Su Chen, smiled, and then said something that shocked Su Chen:
"President Su, do you think this proposal only represents the opinion of the Science and Technology Innovation Committee?"
Su Chen was taken aback.
"Let me be frank," Chen Zhiyuan's expression turned serious. "Your media briefing the day before yesterday wasn't just being watched by the media. People at higher levels were watching too."
"Your statement, 'Your blockade will only make us stronger,' and your promise to 'catch up with the international giants in two years'—these words have reached many people's ears."
"Some people think you're bragging."
"But some people think—maybe you really can do it."
"And even if you can't achieve 100%, even 60% or 70% would be a huge breakthrough for China's MEMS industry."
Chen Zhiyuan paused, then spoke in a tone different from that of an official setting:
"Su Chen—I'll call you Su Chen, not President Su—"
"This plan is not my decision alone. It's a decision made at the Shenzhen municipal level, and it has received approval from higher levels."
Do you know what this means?
Su Chen fell silent.
he knows.
This means that behind the media storm, in places unseen by the public, someone is betting real money.
Bet on him.
We are betting on the path of MEMS self-reliance.
"Deputy Director Chen—"
"Wait a minute," Chen Zhiyuan interrupted Su Chen, "I have something else to say."
His eyes sharpened:
"Su Chen, the reason this proposal is so powerful is because some people believe in you. They believe you can lead China to a breakthrough in the MEMS field."
"But you must understand that belief comes at a price."
"If you succeed, everyone who supports you will become a talent scout, a visionary decision-maker."
But if you can't do it—
Chen Zhiyuan's voice lowered:
"All those who supported you, from the Science and Technology Innovation Committee to higher-level leaders, will pay the price for this decision."
"Because there have always been dissenting voices. Some people say, 'Why should someone who works on flight control get involved in MEMS?' Others say it's a waste of public resources. Still others say, 'Wouldn't it be more reliable to give the money to the MEMS team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences?'"
"But ultimately, the plan was approved. Because someone overruled the objections."
"so--"
Chen Zhiyuan looked into Su Chen's eyes:
"Don't let this trust down."
The meeting room was silent for a few seconds.
Su Chen could feel that heavy weight.
A special fund of 3000 million yuan, 8000 square meters of industrial land, 200 million yuan in talent subsidies, and 1.5 million yuan in low-interest loans—
Behind these figures are not cold, hard government funding.
Instead, it was a group of people betting—betting that a 26-year-old could accomplish something that the industry consensus considered impossible within two years.
Su Chen stood up.
"Deputy Director Chen."
His voice was calm, but every word carried an unwavering determination:
"Within two years, Hongyuan will definitely achieve independent design and manufacturing of MEMS gyroscopes."
"Not 60%, not 70%—it's 100%."
"I will not let anyone who supports Hongyuan regret this decision."
Chen Zhiyuan looked into Su Chen's eyes.
There was no arrogance or bluster in those young eyes.
There is only one pure and unwavering determination.
Just like when he said at the press conference, "Your blockade will only make us stronger."
Chen Zhiyuan nodded, a smile appearing on his face:
"Okay. I'll wait for your good news."
……
After seeing Chen Zhiyuan off, Su Chen sat alone in the conference room for a long time.
He looked at the thick special support plan on the table, his heart filled with complex emotions.
When he inherited Hongyuan four years ago, he was fighting alone.
Later, Zhang Lei, Zhou Ming, Wu Zheng, Fang Xu, Meng Xiaoting... the number of comrades-in-arms increased.
Later, with the capital from Shen Yumeng, the joint venture with Zhou Zhenguo, and the trust of more than 370 ecosystem partners, it became possible to achieve this.
And now—even the government is paving the way for him.
This is more than just support.
This is a level of trust at the national level.
Su Chen took a deep breath, then picked up his phone and dialed Zhao Jiancheng's number.
"Mr. Zhao, how's the inspection in Kunshan going?"
On the other end of the phone, Zhao Jiancheng's voice was filled with excitement:
"President Su! I was just about to report to you!"
"Qixin Microsystems' production lines are performing better than I expected. Their SÜSS lithography machine, although an older model from 2015, is very well maintained. The Oxford etching machine and Leybold thin-film deposition equipment are also operating normally."
"The cleanliness level of the production line has reached Class 100, which is sufficient for a 4-inch MEMS line."
"Most importantly—although their process team is small, eight of the core 14 R&D personnel come from the Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Their foundation is very solid; they just lack a market-oriented product direction and sufficient funding."
"My assessment is that this production line, after upgrades and modifications, has the potential to produce commercial-grade MEMS gyroscopes."
"How much will the upgrade cost?" Su Chen asked.
"Regarding equipment upgrades—the main focus is on acquiring a new stepper lithography machine and a deep silicon etching (DRIE) system. Including cleanroom expansion and process debugging, the total budget is approximately 2000 to 2500 million yuan."
"What about time?"
"If the funding is in place, the production line upgrade can be completed in three to four months. However, producing MEMS gyroscopes with the same precision as the Bosch BMI270—"
Zhao Jiancheng paused for a moment, then said, "It will take at least another six to eight months of technological breakthroughs."
"So, starting from now, the earliest is April or May next year?"
"If all goes well," Zhao Jiancheng said, "but Mr. Su, I must remind you—achieving the precision of the Murata SCR1100 may take longer. That's a different level altogether."
"No need to rush to catch up with Murata," Su Chen said. "Just focus on making something that can replace the Bosch standard version first. We have system blueprints to back up the precision of Murata."
Zhao Jiancheng didn't know what Su Chen meant by "system blueprints," but he could sense a confident air about him in Su Chen's tone.
"Understood. As for the acquisition—"
"What's Qixin's attitude like?"
"Their founding team had actually been waiting for this opportunity," Zhao Jiancheng said. "After three years of losses, the Chinese Academy of Sciences was no longer willing to provide financial support. If it weren't for the core team's passion, the company would have closed down long ago."
"I spoke with their manager, and they initially asked for 6000 million. But considering their financial situation of three consecutive years of losses, and the depreciation of their equipment, I think 5000 to 5500 million is reasonable."
"How's the due diligence going on Fang Xu's side?"
"It's complete. No major legal risks were identified. Regarding intellectual property rights, all 31 of their core patents are independently developed and have clear ownership. The only thing to note is the 12% stake held by the Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, which requires separate discussion."
Su Chen thought for a few seconds.
"5200 million, a full acquisition. Tell Fang Xu to finalize the contract in the next couple of days. I'll personally negotiate the 12% stake with the Chinese Academy of Sciences."
"OK!"
After hanging up the phone, Su Chen dialed another number.
"Fang Xu, how's the acquisition agreement for Qixin Microsystems coming along?"
"The main framework is complete; we're just waiting for you to set the price."
"5200 million. Fully funded. Contract to be signed within three days."
"clear."
Su Chen put down his phone and glanced at the special support plan on the table.
A special fund of 30 million yuan + acquisition cost of 52 million yuan + equipment upgrade cost of 20 million yuan - the total investment is just over 100 million yuan.
Government support covered nearly half of the cases.
Hongyuan's cash flow can fully support the remaining portion.
Furthermore, there is a low-interest loan quota of 1.5 million yuan available for future reserves.
All things considered, the issue of initial funding for the MEMS autonomy strategy has been completely resolved.
The next step is execution.
Pure, hardcore execution.