For Jiang Jinzhe, chairman of Jinan Boyushenhang Information Technology Group Co., Ltd., the path to entrepreneurship was neither the easiest nor the safest, but it was one driven by passion, conviction, and a deep bond with his hometown.
Once a senior designer at the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) 502 Institute, Jiang played key roles in milestone projects including the Shenzhou XII manned spacecraft, Chang’e lunar probes, and China’s first Mars rover. He vividly recalls June 17, 2021, when Shenzhou XII completed China’s first-ever rapid autonomous rendezvous and docking in space. As the chief designer of the spacecraft’s Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) system, Jiang felt the weight of responsibility—and the romance—of being part of China’s space dream.
Yet, at the height of his career, Jiang made a bold decision: he left the security of the national aerospace system to return to Jinan and start from scratch.
“I saw how Jinan was prioritizing talent and supporting emerging industries. That gave me the confidence to come home and create something new,” Jiang said. “In just over a year, our company has grown into China’s first commercial provider specializing in fully autonomous, highly intelligent motion control systems. We aim to be an anchor enterprise, driving the entire industrial chain forward and helping build a full-cycle ecosystem in commercial aerospace.”
From Researcher to Entrepreneur
After earning his master’s degree in control theory and engineering from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 2008, Jiang spent over a decade contributing to China’s spaceflight programs. But when national policy opened the door for private enterprises in the satellite and space sectors, he saw an opportunity to apply his expertise in a new way.
In 2023, Jiang founded Boyushenhang in Jinan’s Shizhong District. Despite early skepticism and a lack of funding, he persevered. Support from local authorities soon proved decisive: the district provided startup housing, one-on-one talent services, and access to strategic funds. Within months, Boyushenhang secured 30 million yuan in investment from provincial and municipal innovation funds, putting the company on a fast growth track.
“From policies to financing to day-to-day living, the level of talent support in Shizhong District has exceeded all my expectations,” Jiang reflected. “This has reinforced my determination to stay, build, and contribute here.”
Innovation at the Frontier
Today, Boyushenhang focuses on three major technology pillars: motion sensing, motion control, and motion planning. Its R&D breakthroughs include a proprietary rocket re-entry and recovery control system, addressing the long-standing challenge of high launch costs. The company has also introduced cutting-edge robotic applications.
In late 2024, Boyushenhang’s AI-powered robotic dog entered trial use with Jinan’s firefighting teams. The four-legged machine, capable of carrying 40 kilograms, navigating rugged terrain, and understanding commands in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, demonstrated its potential as a vital assistant in disaster response.
On the international stage, the company has partnered with Hong Kong Polytechnic University to establish the Embodied Intelligence Laboratory, focusing on integrating large language models with robotics to advance “embodied AI.”
Building an Ecosystem for Commercial Space
Boyushenhang’s rapid rise is part of Jinan’s broader strategy to build a competitive aerospace and AI industry cluster. Through “fund + base” investment models, local platforms have attracted core enterprises like Boyushenhang and supported them in scaling up quickly.
Looking ahead, the company plans to launch production lines for hydraulic bionic robots and electric-drive robotic systems, deepening collaborations with leading universities such as Harbin Institute of Technology. The goal: industrialize advanced robotics and intelligent systems at scale, while strengthening China’s capabilities in commercial aerospace.
“Scientific spirit is about innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit is about creating value,” Jiang said. “For us, the only measure of technological progress is whether it succeeds in the marketplace and solves real problems. That is our mission—and our commitment to Jinan.”
From the vastness of space to the innovation hubs of his hometown, Jiang Jinzhe embodies the new wave of entrepreneurs transforming China’s aerospace sector. His story is one of vision, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of dreams—proof that the journey from rocket laboratories to robotic dogs begins with a single, determined step back home.