Manycore, a leader in spatial intelligence and one of Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons” in the tech industry, has officially filed for an IPO in Hong Kong on February 17. This move positions the company to become the world’s first spatial intelligence unicorn, marking a significant milestone in the global AI and robotics landscape.
The rise of Manycore is part of a broader wave of innovation sweeping Hangzhou, often dubbed “China’s Silicon Valley of Hard Technology.” The city is home to six high-tech pioneers—DeepSeek, Unitree, Game Science, DEEPRobotics, BrainCo, and Manycore—who are making breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, robotics, and brain-computer interfaces.
The “Six Little Dragons” have rapidly gained international recognition. DeepSeek, an AI foundational model developer, made headlines in January after attracting 100 million new users in a single week. Meanwhile, Unitree Technology’s quadruped robots, including the robotic dog B2-W, captivated over a billion viewers during a traditional dance performance at the Spring Festival Gala.
Game Science has also drawn global attention with its highly anticipated game Black Myth: Wukong, while DEEPRobotics recently made history by conducting Singapore’s first international power tunnel inspection. BrainCo’s groundbreaking non-invasive brain-computer interface technology has paved the way for AI-powered prosthetic limbs, pushing the boundaries of human augmentation.
Manycore’s flagship AI technology, Koolab, is at the forefront of spatial intelligence innovation. By leveraging cloud-based 3D spatial intelligence, Koolab has revolutionized design workflows and serves more than 30 million users worldwide.
Hangzhou has successfully transitioned from its e-commerce roots to a hub for advanced computing and industrial applications. Key initiatives such as the 2017 launch of Zhijiang Lab and the 2022 establishment of an AI industrial park in Yuhang District have created an ecosystem conducive to high-tech research and development.
The city’s strategic vision and government incentives have also played a crucial role in nurturing these emerging tech giants. In 2017, risk-tolerant funding saved Unitree from collapse, enabling it to achieve robotic breakthroughs. Similarly, BrainCo, which started in a Boston basement in 2018, expanded its operations in Hangzhou thanks to local government support.
Zhejiang University, one of China’s most prestigious institutions, has also been instrumental in fostering innovation. Three of the “Six Little Dragons” founders—DeepSeek, DEEPRobotics, and Manycore—are alumni of the university, reflecting its strong tradition of incubating world-class tech leaders.
As Hangzhou forges its post-internet identity, the city’s thriving AI and robotics ecosystem is a testament to the power of strategic foresight, academic-industry collaboration, and supportive local policies. With Manycore on the verge of becoming the world’s first spatial intelligence unicorn, the city’s reputation as a global innovation powerhouse is stronger than ever.
