Gemfan Hobby Co., Ltd.

Gemfan Hobby Co., Ltd.

A Decade of an Underwater Technology Company: Chasing Innovation’s Journey into the Deep Sea

2024 08/09

In the vast ocean of technology, there sails a vessel that braves storms and forges ahead, illuminating humanity’s path to exploring the unknown with the light of technological innovation. That vessel is Chasing Innovation—a company that has dedicated eight years to deepening its roots in the underwater robotics sector, writing countless glorious chapters. This is not merely the story of an enterprise’s growth, but a profound journey of dreams, innovation, and humanistic care beneath the waves.

Setting Sail: The Seeds of Dreams Sown in the Deep Sea

Rewind to 2016. While most were captivated by the technological spectacle of aerial drones, a group of dreamers with an infinite yearning and reverence for the ocean quietly planted the seeds of Chasing Innovation in the vibrant soil of Shenzhen. They knew well that the "sky" had become a red sea, while the "underwater world" remained a vast blue frontier. The ocean is Earth’s last unexplored territory, brimming with endless mysteries and resources. As China advances its strategy for high-quality development of the marine industry and Shenzhen builds itself into a global ocean center city, underwater robots serve as the bridge connecting humanity to this blue world. Thus, with a commitment to technological pursuit and a vision for the future, Chasing Innovation was born.

Forging Ahead: Milestones Marking Growth

Stop 1: A Pioneer Filling Industry Gaps

From its inception, Chasing Innovation focused on the independent R&D of underwater robots. Faced with technological blockades and international competition, the team worked tirelessly to overcome one technical hurdle after another. Finally, in 2017, Chasing Innovation successfully mass-produced its first GLADIUS series product, filling the gap in consumer-grade portable underwater robots. This marked a solid first step in underwater observation and photography. With its compact design and agile underwater mobility, the robot quickly gained market recognition and earned Chasing Innovation a spot as one of Shenzhen’s Top 50 Most Valuable Investment Enterprises.
In 2018, Chasing Innovation’s self-built factory in Shenzhen began operations, enabling large-scale production. That August, the GLADIUS MINI made its global debut in Tokyo, Japan, as the company set its sights on the international market.

Stop 2: Deepening Industry Engagement

As technology matured, Chasing Innovation turned its attention to the broader industrial-grade market. Through market research and user feedback, it identified enormous application potential for underwater robots in marine research, aquaculture, offshore wind power, search and rescue, and salvage. The company then began developing customized underwater robot solutions for diverse industry needs. From deep-sea scientific expeditions to shallow-water aquaculture, from underwater search and rescue to infrastructure inspection, Chasing Innovation’s products have spread across the globe, becoming a key driver of high-quality development across industries.

Stop 3: Exploring Global Expansion

In 2019, Chasing Innovation took a pivotal step toward internationalization by debuting at CES—the world’s largest technology trade show. With its unique innovation capabilities and high-quality products, the company captured the attention of media and overseas customers alike. In 2020, Chasing Innovation’s product sales exceeded 100,000 units, covering more than 100 countries and regions worldwide. This not only boosted brand influence but also contributed to China’s underwater robotics technology taking center stage globally.
To meet the diverse needs of customers, Chasing Innovation continuously expanded and refined its product line. From consumer-grade underwater drones to professional portable underwater operation platforms, the company built a comprehensive solution system for underwater robots covering major industries. These products and accessories combine exceptional performance with exquisite design, embodying Chasing Innovation’s dual pursuit of technology and aesthetics.

Stop 4: Glory and Responsibility Hand in Hand

In 2022, Chasing Innovation’s underwater robots and other products shone on the international design stage, winning two of the world’s top honors—the German iF Design Award and Red Dot Design Award. This marked global recognition of the company’s product design philosophy and technological innovation capabilities. Like a lighthouse, this glory illuminates Chasing Innovation’s path in marine technology, inspiring every team member to strive for excellence and scale new heights in scientific and technological innovation.
In 2023, the company wrote another sales legend, achieving four consecutive years of sales leadership in the Japanese market. This milestone is not only a testament to product quality and market strategy but also a direct reflection of global consumers’ trust and support for the Chasing Innovation brand. We recognize that this achievement stems from countless technological iterations, product optimizations, and refined customer service—testaments to the team’s unremitting efforts and collective wisdom.
Today, standing at a new starting point, we officially launched the Chasing Innovation Underwater Intelligent Rescue Team. This is not only a strategic move but also a solemn commitment to fulfilling social responsibility and safeguarding our blue home. We understand that the ocean’s vastness and depth hold endless mysteries and challenges, alongside pressing issues such as pollution, ecological damage, and maritime rescue. In response to the demand for new productive forces in underwater emergency rescue, we are committed to applying cutting-edge artificial intelligence and robotics technology to underwater search and rescue, revolutionizing capabilities, reducing rescue risks, and contributing to marine safety and life preservation.

Warm Humanistic Care: The Temperature Behind Technology

Throughout Chasing Innovation’s growth, a warm humanistic care has been a constant thread. The company believes that the power of technology lies in serving society and benefiting humanity. Thus, it prioritizes user needs and interests, striving to deliver more convenient, efficient, and safe underwater robot solutions. Additionally, Chasing Innovation actively participates in public welfare initiatives, leveraging its technological advantages to contribute to marine conservation and education. It aims to inspire more people to understand, care for, and protect the ocean through its efforts.
Looking to the future, Chasing Innovation harbors the grand vision of becoming a global representative enterprise in marine exploration. It will unwaveringly advance technological innovation and industrial upgrading, deepen cooperation with domestic and foreign research institutions, universities, and industry partners to explore the ocean’s unknowns, and drive the innovative development of marine technology. Meanwhile, the company will actively respond to China’s maritime power strategy, contributing Chinese wisdom and strength to building a maritime community with a shared future and advancing global ocean governance.