readease Chapter 129 Getting Started with the Qixin Microsystem
Chapter 129 Getting Started with the Qixin Microsystem
2020 8 Month 16 Day.
Kunshan.
Su Chen, along with Fang Xu and Zhao Jiancheng, drove to Qixin Microsystems, located in the Kunshan Huaqiao Economic Development Zone.
This is an inconspicuous four-story factory building. The white paint on the exterior walls is already somewhat mottled, and the words "Kunshan Qixin Microsystems Technology Co., Ltd." on the sign at the entrance have faded due to sun and rain.
If Zhao Jiancheng hadn't led the way, Su Chen would hardly have noticed this place.
But hidden in such an inconspicuous factory is a complete 4-inch MEMS wafer production line.
SÜSS lithography machines, Oxford plasma etching machines, Leybold vacuum thin film deposition equipment, LPCVD furnaces, wet cleaning lines—
Small but complete.
Liu Guoqiang, the founder and general manager of Qixin Microsystems, was already waiting at the door.
Liu Guoqiang was forty-five or forty-six years old, tall and thin, wearing metal-framed glasses and a faded blue work uniform.
Seeing Su Chen and his group's car stop, he quickly walked over to them.
"President Su! Welcome, welcome!"
"Hello, Mr. Liu." Su Chen smiled and shook hands with the other party.
When they shook hands, Su Chen noticed that Liu Guoqiang had obvious calluses on his palms—a mark left from years of operating equipment in cleanrooms.
The general manager of a company has calluses on his hands, the kind that only skilled workers have.
Su Chen's liking for Liu Guoqiang instantly increased.
"General Manager Zhao visited before and gave a good evaluation of our production line," Liu Guoqiang said somewhat nervously. "However, I also know that our production line still has a long way to go compared to international giants."
"Let's see how it goes first," Su Chen said with a smile.
For the next two hours, Liu Guoqiang led Su Chen and his group on a tour of Qixin Microsystems' entire production line.
As Zhao Jiancheng had said, the equipment in the cleanroom was indeed very well maintained. The control panels of every piece of equipment were spotless, and the equipment logs were neatly recorded.
"Did you personally maintain all of these devices?" Su Chen asked.
Liu Guoqiang smiled sheepishly: "The company doesn't have the money to hire a dedicated equipment maintenance team. Most of the time, it's just me and a few older colleagues doing it ourselves."
"We've been losing money for three consecutive years, and the funding from the Chinese Academy of Sciences is dwindling. There was a time when we almost couldn't even pay our electricity bills," Liu Guoqiang said with a wry smile. "But this equipment is our lifeline; we can't let it break down no matter what."
Su Chen remained silent for a moment.
He recalled the time four years ago when he had just taken over Hongyuan – there were only two million in the account, fewer than thirty employees, and he didn’t even know if he could pay the next month’s salaries.
The Liu Guoqiang before me is so similar to myself four years ago.
They faced the same predicament, the same resentment, and clung to their original aspirations, unwilling to let go.
"Mr. Liu," Su Chen stopped and looked at Liu Guoqiang, "I want to ask you a question."
"Please go ahead, Mr. Su."
Why did you leave the Chinese Academy of Sciences to start your own business?
Liu Guoqiang was stunned for a moment, then a complex light flashed in his eyes.
"Because... I'm not reconciled."
"I've been doing MEMS research at the Chinese Academy of Sciences for ten years now—publishing papers, applying for projects, and waiting for grants. But no matter how many papers I publish, our country's MEMS industry is still a blank slate."
"I want to turn what's in the lab into real, usable products—domestic MEMS that Chinese companies can buy."
"So in 2012, I brought a few colleagues with me. The Chinese Academy of Sciences provided a technology transfer fund, and we built this production line in Kunshan."
"But I underestimated the difficulty of commercialization," Liu Guoqiang said with a wry smile, shaking his head. "The gap between technology in the laboratory and mass production is much wider than I imagined. Our yield rate has remained low, and the product precision does not meet customer requirements."
"Therefore, orders are decreasing, and losses are increasing."
"To be honest, if it weren't for the news about Hongyuan MEMS cutting off its supply, I would have been considering closing down."
At this point, Liu Guoqiang's voice choked up.
Eight years.
He stayed on this production line for eight years.
From a spirited associate researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences to a small company owner who couldn't even afford to pay his electricity bill.
Only he knows what he lost in those eight years.
Su Chen listened quietly without interrupting.
After Liu Guoqiang finished speaking, Su Chen asked one last question:
"If you were given sufficient funding and technical support, do you think this production line could produce commercial-grade high-precision MEMS gyroscopes?"
Liu Guoqiang raised his head, the confusion in his eyes gradually replaced by a firm resolve:
"able."
"Give us the money and the time—we definitely can."
Su Chen looked into Liu Guoqiang's eyes and saw something in them that was the same as what Dr. Li Wei had seen in them.
It was a flame that burned for eight years in adversity without ever going out.
"Okay." Su Chen extended his hand. "Mr. Liu, let's sign the contract."
……
Two o'clock in the afternoon.
In the small conference room of Qixin Microsystems, Su Chen represented Hongyuan Intelligent Technology, Liu Guoqiang represented Qixin Microsystems, and Fang Xu, as legal counsel, witnessed the meeting.
The three parties signed the acquisition agreement.
For a total price of 5200 million, Hongyuan acquired 100% equity of Qixin Microsystems.
The 12% stake held by the Institute of Microelectronics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences was transferred for 624 million yuan after Su Chen communicated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences in advance.
"The Chinese Academy of Sciences only has one condition," Fang Xu whispered to Su Chen before signing the contract. "They hope that Qixin's core technological achievements can be used to promote the independent development of China's MEMS industry, rather than being shelved."
Su Chen smiled and said, "That's exactly what we need to do."
Liu Guoqiang's hand trembled slightly as he signed the document.
eight years.
After eight years of perseverance, they finally found someone willing to give this production line a new life.
"Mr. Liu," Su Chen said, looking at the signed contract, "From now on, Qixin Microsystems will be officially renamed 'Hongyuan Microsystems.' You will continue to serve as General Manager, responsible for the daily operation of the production line. Mr. Zhao Jiancheng will be stationed on-site as Technical Director, responsible for production line upgrades and process breakthroughs."
"Hongyuan... Micro System." Liu Guoqiang murmured the new name.
Renamed.
It's going to be renamed again.
When they left the MEMS research group at the Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, they named the company "Qixin" – meaning to inspire the path of chip development.
This name embodies their original aspiration of moving from the laboratory to the market.
It would be a lie to say I wasn't feeling melancholy at this point, having to change it to "Hongyuan Microsystem".
But Liu Guoqiang also knew that a name is just a symbol; what mattered was whether the production line could survive and fulfill its mission.
"Okay, Mr. Su." Liu Guoqiang nodded, his voice a little hoarse. "Hongyuan Microsystem... it's pretty good."
"Mr. Liu," Su Chen noticed Liu Guoqiang's complex emotions. After a moment's thought, he said, "The name 'Qixin' will not disappear. In the future, our MEMS product line will use 'Qixin' as the brand name."
"QiXin MEMS – China's own high-precision inertial sensors."
Liu Guoqiang's eyes instantly reddened.
"Thank you, Mr. Su."
……
After the contract was signed, Su Chen did not leave.
He had Liu Guoqiang convene all 63 employees of Qixin Microsystems—no, it should now be called Hongyuan Microsystems.
The restaurant on the second floor of the factory was temporarily converted into a meeting venue.
Unlike large companies that hold employee meetings with thousands of people, the 63 people here filled just the small restaurant.
The first row was occupied by 14 core R&D personnel, most of whom were in their thirties or forties, wearing faded blue work clothes like Liu Guoqiang's.
Behind them were 27 skilled workers and production line operators, and then administrative, financial, and logistical support staff.
63 people.
Less than one-third of the number of employees at Hongyuan's headquarters.
However, these 63 people are one of the few teams in China with complete practical experience in MEMS production lines.
In Su Chen's eyes, each of them was a treasure.
Su Chen stood on the makeshift stage in front of the restaurant, looking at the 63 pairs of eyes below the stage, filled with trepidation and curiosity.
How similar it was to the scene when I inherited Hongyuan four years ago—
Back then there were fewer than thirty people in the audience, now there are sixty-three.
Back then he was a nobody, now he's Su Chen, the one who says, "Your blockade will only make us stronger."
"Hello everyone," Su Chen began, his voice not loud, but loud enough for everyone to hear.
"I am Su Chen, the founder of Hongyuan Intelligent Technology. From today onwards, I am also your new boss."
The audience was completely silent.
Some people looked anxious—they were worried about whether they could keep their jobs after the boss changed.
Some people looked curious—they wanted to know what the person who said in the news that he had "caught up with international giants in two years" actually looked like.
Some people had hope in their eyes—maybe this person could really bring this dying production line back to life?
"I understand how you feel," Su Chen continued. "Qixin Microsystems has been losing money for three consecutive years, and many people are already wondering whether they should find another job."
Someone in the audience gave an awkward laugh.
"But what I want to tell you today is—this production line will not be shut down, and you will not lose your jobs. Quite the opposite—"
Su Chen's gaze swept over everyone:
"From today onwards, this production line will undertake a mission—a mission that concerns the future of China's MEMS industry."
"The equipment you have, and the technological experience you've accumulated over the past eight years—will become the starting point for China's self-sufficiency in MEMS."
At this point, Su Chen noticed the gleam in the eyes of some of the researchers in the audience.
Many of them came from the Chinese Academy of Sciences with the same original aspirations.
However, the difficulties and setbacks of these years have almost extinguished their hope.
"A new broom sweeps clean." Su Chen smiled. "My first act—"
"Starting next month, all employees will see a 15% salary increase."
The restaurant erupted in chaos.
15%?!
"Really?"
"Oh my god—"
It's worth noting that Qixin Microsystems hasn't raised its employees' salaries for two years. Many technical workers only earn five or six thousand yuan a month, barely enough to live on in a city like Kunshan.
The sudden 15% increase—though not a large sum in absolute terms—is a lifeline for them.
Applause erupted spontaneously. It wasn't the formulaic applause typical of large corporations, but genuine applause filled with surprise and gratitude.
Su Chen raised his hand to signal for quiet, then continued:
"The second major initiative—a comprehensive upgrade of the production line."
"Over the next three months, Hongyuan will invest 2000 million yuan in upgrading its production line equipment. This includes adding a stepper lithography machine and a deep silicon etching (DRIE) system, expanding the cleanroom, and comprehensively improving the manufacturing precision of the production line."
"General Manager Zhao Jiancheng will serve as the technical director, providing on-site guidance, and will work with General Manager Liu to lead everyone in completing the upgrade."
"The goal is clear—within six months, this production line must be capable of manufacturing commercial-grade MEMS gyroscopes."
This time, the applause was even more enthusiastic.
Especially the 14 core R&D personnel—their eyes no longer held confusion and exhaustion, but rather a rekindled passion.
A budget of 2000 million for equipment upgrades.
This is a number they never dared to dream of.
It's worth noting that in the eight years since Qixin Microsystems was established, the Chinese Academy of Sciences has only allocated a total of over 3000 million yuan in commercialization funds. Most of that has been spent on building factories and purchasing equipment.
Subsequent operations and R&D were almost entirely sustained by meager revenue.
Now Su Chen is asking for an upgrade budget of 2000 million right off the bat—what does that mean?
This means that this production line will finally no longer have to fight on an empty stomach.
"The third fire—"
Su Chen's voice softened slightly:
"Hongyuan has a tradition of valuing talent development. At Hongyuan headquarters, we have a complete technical training system, allowing employees to learn professional knowledge for free in their spare time."
"This tradition will continue at Hongyuan Microsystems. I will arrange for key technical personnel from Hongyuan headquarters to regularly visit Kunshan for exchanges, and we will also invite experts in the MEMS field to conduct training."
"Furthermore, for core R&D personnel—I will apply for Shenzhen's high-level talent subsidy, up to 200 million yuan per person. Although you work in Kunshan, your contributions serve the entire Hongyuan Group, and you are entitled to these benefits as well."
The restaurant fell silent for a few seconds.
Then applause erupted like a tidal wave.
The applause this time was even more enthusiastic than the previous two.
What excites them even more than a raise is the feeling of being respected.
For eight years, they have been a forgotten group of people. A group of people who have been quietly guarding a MEMS production line in a corner unknown to anyone.
The outside world is unaware that such a production line exists in China.
But now—someone has seen them.
Some people have acknowledged their eight years of perseverance.
Someone is willing to invest real money in this production line to give it a new lease on life.
Liu Guoqiang, sitting in the first row, lowered his head.
He didn't want others to see his reddened eyes.
eight years.
Finally waited.
……
After the applause gradually subsided, Su Chen said one last thing:
"Finally, let me say something that everyone already knows."
"Recently, Hongyuan has been cut off from its MEMS supply—Murata has stopped supplying us with gyroscopes. Someone is trying to strangle us in this way."
The 63 people in the audience fell silent, their eyes fixed on Su Chen.
"I said something at a media briefing in Shenzhen a couple of days ago—your blockade will only make us stronger."
"This isn't just for the media; it's for everyone here."
"Because the one who makes this a reality—is not me, Su Chen, but you all."
"It's this production line under your command."
"It's every process parameter, every experimental data point, and every operation log you've accumulated over the past eight years."
"The starting point for China's self-sufficiency in MEMS technology lies in this unassuming factory. It lies in your hands."
"so--"
Su Chen looked at the 63 pairs of eyes below the stage and said, word by word:
"Please."
These two words were spoken very lightly.
But in the hearts of the 63 people, it felt like a ton of bricks.
Liu Guoqiang was the first to stand up.
Then all 14 core R&D personnel stood up.
Then 27 skilled workers stood up.
Then everyone stood up.
Applause echoed through the small restaurant. Although it was only 63 people applauding, the impact was tremendous.
It's just as impressive as a press conference with 900 attendees.
Because this applause carries the weight of eight years of waiting.
It carries the unwavering original aspirations of a group of people.
It carries the first ray of dawn for China's independent development of MEMS.
……
That evening, Su Chen stood on the rooftop of Qixin—no, Hongyuan Microsystems' factory, watching the sunset over Kunshan.
Fang Xu walked over and handed him a bottle of water: "The contracts have all been filed. Legally speaking, Qixin Microsystems is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hongyuan."
Su Chen took the water but didn't drink it immediately.
"Fang Xu, do you know what I was thinking about during the meeting downstairs today?"
"What?"
"I was reminded of the first all-staff meeting at Hongyuan four years ago," Su Chen smiled. "There were only about twenty people in the audience then. What I said was similar to what I'm saying today—raise salaries, conduct training, and set a direction."
"Then what?"
"Then four years passed. Those twenty-odd people grew to over two hundred. Annual revenue increased from less than two million to hundreds of millions. We also have more than 370 ecosystem partners."
Su Chen looked at the distant horizon:
"I believe the same applies to these 63 people. Give them enough support and time, and they can achieve remarkable things."
Fang Xu looked at Su Chen and suddenly asked a question he had always wanted to ask:
"Mr. Su, do you really think we can achieve self-sufficiency in MEMS within two years?"
Su Chen remained silent for a few seconds.
Then he laughed.
"Fang Xu, how long have you been following me?"
"It's been a year and a half since the beginning of 2019."
"In the past year and a half, is there anything I said I would do but didn't?"
Fang Xu thought for a moment and then shook his head.
"That's good then." Su Chen unscrewed the bottle cap and took a sip of water. "Let's go back to Shenzhen. There's a ton of stuff to take care of starting tomorrow."
"The investment negotiations with Microchip Sensing haven't been finalized yet. Qiming Venture Partners' Wang Minghui still has reservations about the 67% controlling stake proposal. The technical parameters of the Bosch customized MEMS also need to be confirmed as soon as possible."
Su Chen spoke as he walked downstairs:
"And on Zhang Lei's side—the second round of test reports for the Feiniao S1 'six-chip version' should be out. If the data is fine, we can officially switch to the 'six-chip version' mass production solution this week."
"The first batch of Bosch BMI270s will arrive tomorrow. Zhao Jiancheng will officially move into Kunshan on Monday."
One by one, in perfect order.
Fang Xu followed behind Su Chen, watching the 26-year-old's back, and a strange feeling suddenly welled up in his heart.
He felt that Su Chen sometimes didn't seem like a 26-year-old.
That kind of overall control, keen attention to detail, and composure under immense pressure—
He's more like a veteran who's weathered countless storms.
However, Fang Xu didn't think much of it.
After all—Su Chen is Su Chen.
A person who can never be judged by common sense.
……
On his way back to Shenzhen, Su Chen was unaware that—
An emergency meeting is underway at the headquarters of Hangxindatong in Beijing.
The meeting had only one theme:
After Hongyuan announced its MEMS self-sufficiency strategy, what should the LDCL alliance do next?
At DJI's headquarters in Shenzhen, Chen Jiaming also received an urgent report from the marketing department that afternoon—
The report is titled: "Impact Assessment of the Hongyuan MEMS Supply Disruption on DJI Brand".
The report's conclusion consisted of only one line:
The brand's losses have exceeded expectations and are still expanding. It is recommended to take measures to mitigate the damage as soon as possible.
Chen Jiaming frowned deeply as he looked at the report.
For the first time, he realized that perhaps, he had struck the wrong place with his knife against Hongyuan.