At the 15th “Influencing Jinan” Economic Figures Award Ceremony held at the Long’ao Building, Geng Zhe, founder, chairman, and general manager of Shandong Hetong Information Technology Co., Ltd., was honored as an “Innovative Figure”.
Reflecting on his journey, Geng recalled his participation six years ago in a symposium for private enterprises, describing it as a pivotal moment for both himself and his company. “That meeting changed the trajectory of our development,” he said. Since then, Hetong Information has remained committed to technological innovation, transforming itself from a traditional energy meter manufacturer into a leading provider of intelligent energy solutions. Over the years, the company has seen substantial revenue growth and has been recognized as a national “Little Giant” enterprise.
Geng’s heartfelt speech at the ceremony drew prolonged applause, with many fellow entrepreneurs remarking that his story strengthened their confidence in pursuing technology-driven innovation.
Born in 1970 and a graduate of Shandong University (formerly Shandong Institute of Technology), Geng has spent his career advancing intelligent metering technologies. After working as an engineer and senior executive in multiple firms, he founded Hetong Information in 2011. Under his leadership, the company was listed on China’s New Third Board in 2017 and recognized as a national high-tech “Gazelle Enterprise.”
In 2018, Geng attended a symposium hosted by President Xi Jinping, where he voiced concerns about financing difficulties faced by private enterprises. That experience opened new opportunities: in 2019, his company secured 30 million yuan in funding through an innovative “talent valuation” financing model, alleviating its liquidity crisis.
In recent years, Hetong Information has continued to expand its technological footprint. In 2024, the company partnered with Shandong University to establish the Low-Carbon Smart Heating Technology Research Center, integrating research, talent development, and industrial application to support China’s “dual carbon” goals. The company has also developed industry-leading IoT-based systems, including intelligent water and gas meters, 5G-enabled smart water management systems, and low-energy-consumption heating solutions.
Geng himself has been widely recognized for his achievements. In 2023, he was named Shandong Province Innovative Entrepreneur in the Electronic Information Industry. Media often describe him as a model of transformation “from engineer to entrepreneur.”
At the “Influencing Jinan” ceremony, Geng emphasized that perseverance, innovation, and collaboration remain the cornerstones of Hetong’s success. His remarks resonated strongly with the audience, reinforcing the belief that small and medium-sized enterprises, through technological leadership, can grow into powerful drivers of economic and social development.