8: Chapter 8: Technological Deep Dive and Industrial Chain Layout

The brilliant performance of Spark Technology in the capital market did not cause Su Chen to relax in the slightest. He knew better than anyone that the dazzling financial reports and soaring stock prices were rooted in unshakable technological advantages and unbreakable cost barriers. Before the aftertaste of the celebratory champagne had completely dissipated, he had already set his sights on a further future and a deeper strategic layout.

Late at night, Su Chen was the only one left in the Chairman's office. Outside the window were the bright lights of the city, reflecting his calm and focused face. He closed his eyes, and his consciousness sank into that mysterious system interface.

In his personal account, the massive funds that had accumulated previously and the influx of cash back from recent sales had reached a staggering figure. This was precisely the ammunition for his future layout.

【Hyper-Dimensional Tech System Mall】

His thoughts locked onto two technology icons shimmering with an enticing light.

【Next-Generation xinghuo no. 2 Complete Technology Package】 (Includes: New high-energy-density battery technology, ultra-low power consumption image transmission system, fusion obstacle avoidance algorithm for vision and ultrasound, high-precision GPS positioning module... comprehensive performance benchmarks against the top consumer drone technology of the host world in 2016.)

【Price: 100 million rmb】

【360-Degree Panoramic Imaging Camera Technology】 (Includes: Multi-lens synchronous calibration algorithm, real-time image stitching technology, ultra-small high-resolution sensor layout scheme... comprehensive performance benchmarks against the top action camera technology of the host world in 2017.)

【Price: 50 million rmb】

Without the slightest hesitation, Su Chen clicked "Purchase" with his mind.

【Ding! 150 million rmb has been deducted. Technical data has been transmitted to the host's consciousness space, and an encrypted physical document has been generated and stored in the designated safe.】

A massive flow of information flooded into his mind, skillfully organized and categorized by the system into knowledge he could understand and utilize. An unprecedented sense of security surged in his heart. The xinghuo no. 2 would not just be an optimization of the 1st generation, but a comprehensive leap-forward upgrade! And that panoramic imaging technology, which seemed slightly removed from the core drone business, opened a door for him to a much broader world.

The next day, he summoned the technical director, Wang Ming.

When Wang Ming finished reading the technical summary of the "xinghuo no. 2" provided by Su Chen (mainly performance indicators and some non-core design ideas) and the conceptual design of the "Panoramic Camera," the hands of this usually steady old engineer trembled with excitement.

"President Su! This... a 40% increase in battery energy density? The image transmission distance and stability can go up another level? And this fusion obstacle avoidance... this is simply revolutionary!" Wang Ming's eyes sparkled as if he were looking at a peerless treasure, "And this panoramic camera idea is so ingenious! If it can really be realized, it will definitely open up a brand new market!"

"I have already prepared the core parts of the technical data." Su Chen looked at Wang Ming and said solemnly, "Engineer Wang, your task is very heavy. The life cycle of the 'xinghuo no. 1' series needs to be maintained, but our research and development cannot stop. From now on, secretly establish two pre-research project teams, 'xinghuo no. 2' and 'Spirit Eye (the fixed name for the panoramic camera)', with you personally in charge. Select the most core and reliable backbone members and immediately start technical assimilation and prototype design. The goal is to release the xinghuo no. 2 in January next year!"

"I guarantee the mission will be completed!" Wang Ming straightened his back, his voice hoarse with excitement, his eyes filled with the thrill that technical people feel when facing a challenge.

The technological layout quietly unfolded, while another strategy concerning the long-term fate of Spark was also put on Su Chen's agenda.

A week later, in the top-level strategic conference room of Spark Technology, the core management gathered. Besides Su Chen, Lin Wan, Wang Ming, and Shen Nanpeng, there were two new faces.

One was a woman in her mid-thirties, wearing a capable cream-colored suit, with exquisite makeup and bright, approachable eyes; her name was He Jing. Her resume was nothing short of brilliant: graduated from a top-tier university with a major in Human Resources, she had served as a Senior HR Director at two leading internet giants, personally building team systems of several thousand people, and was best at organizational development and corporate culture construction. Su Chen invited her specifically to solve the talent and management risks under the company's rapid expansion and to build a cohesive "Spark Legion."

The other was a man in his forties, Liang Zhen. He wore a dark custom suit, sat upright with a serious expression and sharp eyes, naturally exuding an aura of authority without being angry. He held a PhD from an Ivy League law school in the United States and a Chinese lawyer qualification. He had served as a partner in a top international law firm and led many complex cross-border mergers and intellectual property litigations, particularly proficient in handling US 337 investigations and European Union trade barriers. He was the "Legal Shield" Su Chen prepared for Spark Technology to cope with the inevitably more intense international legal conflicts in the future.

"Everyone, now that Spark has developed to this point, it's time to think about our future." Su Chen got straight to the point, his voice echoing in the quiet conference room, "We can't always just be an assembly plant, and we certainly can't hand our core lifeblood over to others. The core of today's meeting is only one thing—vertical integration, self-research and self-production of core components!"

He signaled Lin Wan to distribute the prepared plan.

"I have decided to invest 150 million rmb initially to establish three wholly-owned subsidiaries."

"The first one, Spark Industry. It will mainly be responsible for the R&D and large-scale production of CMOS image sensors, integrated gimbals, fuselage shell structures and molds, and remote controllers."

"The second one, Spark Power. It will focus on the algorithms and hardware of flight controllers, high-precision motors and electronic speed controllers (ESCs), as well as the R&D and manufacturing of next-generation smart batteries and power management systems."

"The third one, Spark Communications. Its core task is to conquer image transmission modules and image transmission chips, as well as the subsequent R&D of dedicated image processing chips (ISP)."

This grand plan caused everyone present, except Su Chen, to feel their hearts race. This move was too big! It meant that Spark Technology would transform from a company focused on finished product design, assembly, and sales into a technology group covering all core upstream and downstream segments!

Shen Nanpeng pushed his glasses and spoke first from a financial perspective: "President Su, I completely agree with the strategic direction. This will greatly enhance our supply chain security and cost control capabilities. The initial investment of 150 million rmb is a reasonable scale, but subsequent R&D investment and equipment procurement will be astronomical. We need to do long-term financial planning and ensure that core projects can generate cash flow as soon as possible."

"President Shen is right." Su Chen nodded, "Funding is not an issue; the company's profits and cash flow can support it. What we want is to get rid of our dependence on external suppliers as quickly as possible." He looked at Wang Ming, "Engineer Wang, on the technical side, are there any problems?"

Wang Ming took a deep breath, his face showing the persistence of a technical fanatic: "The challenge is huge, but we have confidence! The technical data you provided, President Su, already contains the design principles for some core components. As long as we are given time and talent, we will definitely be able to crack them! I roughly estimate that once we achieve self-production of core components, by next year, our total production cost for finished units can drop by another 50% on top of the current basis!"

Drop by another 50%!

This number invigorated everyone! This meant that Spark Technology's price advantage would become insurmountable, and profit margins would also be greatly expanded.

"Director He." Su Chen looked at the new CHO, He Jing.

He Jing immediately sat up straight, her voice clear and infectious: "President Su, everyone. I have already gained a preliminary understanding of the talent demand models for the three subsidiaries. This is not just a matter of hiring a few hundred engineers, but of building three brand-new organizations with strong R&D DNA. I will immediately launch the 'Sons of Spark' special recruitment plan to recruit top talent in the fields of hardware, chips, and materials globally. At the same time, I will lead the design of compensation and performance systems and cultural integration plans tailored to each subsidiary's characteristics to ensure that talent can be attracted, retained, and utilized effectively."

"Director Liang." Su Chen finally turned his gaze to the Legal Director.

Liang Zhen already had his notebook open in front of him. He was concise but hit every key point: "President Su, establishing subsidiaries involves complex legal structures and intellectual property separation. I will ensure all processes are compliant and inject core patents into the corresponding subsidiaries in the safest way. At the same time, I will assess and layout patent applications in major global markets (especially the US and EU) in advance to prevent potential patent sniping. We will also prepare plans for possible anti-monopoly reviews."

Looking at these core backbone members under his command, each excelling in their own field and possessing extraordinary abilities, Su Chen felt a surge of pride in his heart.

"Good! Then it's settled!" Su Chen stood up, his hands pressed on the conference table, his gaze sweeping over everyone, "Spark Industry, Spark Power, and Spark Communications, start preparations immediately! Wang Ming will concurrently serve as the Chief Technical Advisor for the three companies, He Jing will be responsible for talent infusion, Liang Zhen for legal protection, Shen Nanpeng for financial security, and Lin Wan for overall coordination!"

"We must use the fastest speed to create Spark's own indestructible industrial chain! This is not an ordinary investment; this is the—Battle of Destiny—for whether Spark Technology can truly stand among the world's technological giants!"

The meeting ended, and everyone left one after another with a sense of mission and urgency. Su Chen stood alone in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window. At the distant horizon, a touch of the morning sun was piercing through the clouds.

Technical deep dive, industrial chain layout. He had already paved a high-speed track to the future for Spark Technology. Next, it was full speed ahead.