- Investors continue to back core technologies spanning hydrogen catalysts, humanoid robots and robotics manufacturing
- The deals highlight growing demand for deep-tech suppliers enabling China’s next-generation industries
Hydrogen tech startup Platinum Hydrogen snags pre-Series A round
Suzhou-based hydrogen technology company Platinum Hydrogen Technology (铂氢科技) has completed a pre-Series A funding round worth tens of millions of yuan, led by Dong Yun Venture Capital, with participation from Xinhui Capital and additional investment from existing backer Roton Capital.
Founded in May 2023, the company develops and manufactures precious metal catalysts and membrane electrode products for hydrogen energy applications. Its product portfolio covers catalysts for fuel cells and water electrolysis.
Its founder Zou Liangliang (邹亮亮) holds a PhD from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences and is a professor and doctoral supervisor at Suzhou University of Science and Technology, with more than a decade of experience in precious metal catalyst research.
Platinum Hydrogen said its structural regulation technology has improved the durability of Pt/C nanoparticle catalysts by 40% to 50% in endurance tests.
In PEM water electrolysis, its oxygen-rich nano iridium oxide catalysts reduce precious metal usage to 0.4 mg per square centimeter, about one-third of typical industry levels.
The company generated 28 million yuan in revenue in the first half of the year and expects full-year revenue to exceed 40 million yuan. The new funding will support new catalyst and membrane electrode production lines and expand its R&D and operations teams.
Meituan leads $74M round in robot hand maker Xynova
Hangzhou-based humanoid robot dexterous hand developer Xynova (曦诺未来) has raised 500 million yuan ($73.82 million) in a Series A+ round, led by Meituan, with participation from Nio Capital, China Merchants Capital and another undisclosed internet company.
Existing investor Xiaomi’s corporate venture arm also increased its stake.
The company, founded in December 2024, has now raised about 1.5 billion yuan across four rounds and entered unicorn status, with its industrial investors’ combined market capitalization exceeding 5 trillion yuan.
Xynova focuses on high-torque-density integrated joint modules, miniature electric cylinders and high-degree-of-freedom dexterous hands.
It is among a small group of Chinese companies developing a fully integrated stack covering motors, electronics, reducers, screws and algorithms.
Its fundraising history has attracted major industrial players across sectors: CATL led its angel round, JD.com led its pre-Series A round, and Li Auto led its Series A round, creating an investor lineup spanning new energy vehicles, e-commerce and local services.
Meituan said dexterous manipulation is a critical link between intelligent decision-making and the physical world, while high-degree-of-freedom five-finger hands are a key component of future humanoid robots.
Humanoid robot ODM maker BXI Robotics raises new funding
Shanghai-based humanoid robot ODM provider BXI Robotics (半醒具身) has completed a multi-million yuan funding round from listed company Suochen Technology. The funds will support next-generation humanoid robot development and overseas expansion.
Founded in 2022, BXI Robotics has focused on high-dynamic bipedal humanoid robots since 2020. The company provides full-stack capabilities covering robot design, core motors, motion control algorithms and application software.
Its core strength lies in developing robot actuators from the motor level. The company has built three standardized hollow planetary joint motor modules—BXI-50, BXI-70 and BXI-85—covering all 31 degrees of freedom of a humanoid robot.
Rather than building its own consumer brand, BXI Robotics focuses on ODM services for technology companies, automakers and robotics firms.
Its customers include major internet companies, domestic automakers and overseas technology companies, with expansion underway in South Korea, Japan and Europe.
Backed by shareholder Feirongda’s manufacturing facilities in Shenzhen and Changzhou, the company has monthly production capacity of dozens of units and expects annual revenue to exceed 100 million yuan.
Founder Chen Yan (陈彦) said the explosive growth of the humanoid robotics sector has created demand for ODM suppliers, as many companies seek to launch their own humanoid robots but face long development cycles, talent shortages and uncertain outcomes.
