Chen Siqi

vankochensq@163.com

CHINESE companies showed a strong presence at the Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA 2025), held in Berlin this September.

Data show that there were nearly 700 Chinese exhibitors at Europe’s  largest consumer electronics show, about 38% of the total. Notably, companies from Shenzhen accounted for 42% of Chinese exhibitors.

“I never expected the level and speed of growth here in Shenzhen,” said Leif Lindner, CEO of IFA, at a panel on local firms going global in Nanshan District on Thursday.

“Shenzhen is a melting pot of innovators and people who have the right spirit — motivated and creative,” Lindner, who first visited Shenzhen 10 years ago, said. “Shenzhen is a tech city like Shanghai, Seoul, or Tokyo.”

One hot topic during the IFA 2025, highlighted by Chinese media, was the quiet rivalry between two Shenzhen-based companies — DJI and Insta360. The two brands exhibited side by side and introduced new products that highlighted their competitive positions.

DJI’s consumer drones account for about 70% of the global market, while Insta360 commands about 67.2% of the global panoramic camera market. Both companies perform strongly internationally.

Lindner explained that the IFA’s goal is to attract the most innovative companies and startups that could become the next big thing. “Whether the products are inspiring or can create a whole new market, we embrace them,’” he said.

While Shenzhen-based big names presented their latest products and technologies at the IFA, many small and medium-sized companies — even some being incubating — also demonstrated strength.

For example, iMpact, a communications and business consulting firm, brought over 20 brands being incubated at the Shenzhen InnoX Academy to the show, covering intelligent furniture, pet raising, and entertainment products.

Lindner said, “‘Made in China’ is becoming more qualitative,” a view that is widely acknowledged. He suggested emphasizing the “created in China” aspect to highlight the core value and innovation behind products.

“Now ‘created in Shenzhen’ shows the value of products — they are built with AI, good craftsmanship, and a clear sense of what consumers want,” Lindner told Shenzhen Daily.