Guangzhou's Tianhe district has made strides of late in technological innovation, with a particular focus on cultivating "little giant" enterprises — companies that specialize in niche sectors, master core technologies, and demonstrate strong innovative capabilities.

In 2025, Tianhe blazed a new trail by identifying 15 new national-level "little giant" firms, bringing the district's total to 44, a 51.7 percent year-on-year increase. These specialized enterprises operate in key strategic fields including artificial intelligence, big data, and next-generation electronic information.

National-level "little giant" enterprise Seclead Digital Technology has established its headquarters in Tianhe. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

These firms are typically characterized by technological sophistication, a key focus on emerging sectors, rapid growth, and robust ecosystem integration. They have established leadership positions in specialized market segments, supported by an average R&D investment intensity of 13 percent, with some companies exceeding 20 percent, reflecting their strong commitment to innovation.

Notably, over half of Tianhe's provincial-level specialized enterprises deal mainly in software and information technology services. Leveraging its status as a national software industry base, the district has developed distinct industrial clusters in areas such as the low-altitude economy and industrial internet, with several companies currently preparing for IPOs.

Guangzhou Forsafe Digital Technology, a company rooted in Tianhe, has been included in the list of national-level "little giant" enterprises. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

The district's innovation ecosystem provides comprehensive support for enterprise development. Tianhe hosts 50 percent of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's top-tier universities and numerous research institutions, while maintaining the highest concentration of technology firms in Guangzhou. Local government initiatives include maintaining a dynamic cultivation database, offering tailored services, and facilitating practical application scenarios for new technologies.

Looking forward, Tianhe will continue to prioritize strategic sectors like artificial intelligence and the low-altitude economy, while enhancing policy support and resource allocation. These efforts aim to establish the district as a premier hub for specialized, technology-driven enterprises within the Greater Bay Area innovation landscape.

Aerial view of Guangzhou's Tianhe district, now home to 44 national-level "little giant" enterprises. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]