Liu Yangyang

524652046@qq.com

IN the fast-evolving fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and rehabilitation technology, a new wave of young entrepreneurs is leading the charge. Among them is Sun Yingdong, a founder in his 20s whose company, RheoFit, is gaining attention both in China and abroad.

From winning honors in robotics competitions in high school to earning innovation awards while studying mechanical engineering at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Sun has always been interested in the intersection of tech and everyday life.

A humble beginning

Founded in 2023 in Shenzhen, RheoFit specializes in combining robotics with musculoskeletal recovery. The startup, which targets athletes and physically active individuals, aims to improve physical performance and recovery efficiency through smart hardware solutions.

Its first product, the RheoFit A1, launched just one year after the company was founded. As the world’s first smart massage roller, the device automatically releases muscle and fascia tension and is designed to replicate the benefits of a personal physiotherapist.

“Our journey began with a 500,000 yuan (US$69,100) seed grant from the Shenzhen government,” Sun said. “That initial support helped set everything in motion.”

The company’s rapid growth has also been closely linked to support from the Shenzhen InnoX Academy (InnoX). The academy was founded by Professor Li Zexiang, who is credited with nurturing some of the country’s most valuable tech start-ups, including DJI.

InnoX has assisted RheoFit at every stage of development — from product design and user testing to supply chain coordination and global outreach.

“After we completed our first prototypes, we tested them at the Nanshan marathon with help from the institute,” Sun explained. “We received valuable feedback from hundreds of runners, which gave us the confidence to move forward.”

InnoX not only provided guidance on user-centric design but also assisted RheoFit in showcasing their products at CES in the U.S., which helped promote the startup. “For an early-stage brand, that kind of exposure is extremely valuable,” Sun said.

The importance of differentiation

Emphasizing the importance of creating something unique in a competitive market, Sun explained that differentiation is one of RheoFit’s guiding principles.

During a mentorship session organized by the institute, QKM founder Shi Jinbo shared advice that stuck with him: “Don’t overthink it. If you focus on one thing, make it different. If there’s nothing unique, how will you compete?” QKM is a national high-tech enterprise that specializes in high-end, lightweight intelligent robots.

“She told us that compared to established companies, student entrepreneurs don’t have the same technical or commercial advantages,” Sun said. “What we can do is create something distinct. That’s our competitive edge,” he added.

According to Sun, the company has applied for over 20 patents adopted in the RheoFit A1.

Keep moving forward

Despite their progress, the journey has not been without difficulty. Speaking candidly about the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, Sun stated, “There was a time when our development process stalled, and we faced ongoing sales pressure. I felt stuck.”

“I realized that as a founder, there are moments when no one can fully understand your situation or make decisions for you. It’s something you have to face alone,” he shared.

That experience taught him the importance of decisiveness and personal resilience. “Often, there’s no objectively right answer — you simply have to make the best decision you can and keep moving forward,” he said.

“We want to help people overcome physical limitations,” Sun said. “When your body is free, you have the freedom to pursue the life you want,” Sun explained.