On April 17, Gpixel Changchun Microelectronics Inc. (Gpixel) was successfully listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, becoming the first "Changguang" enterprise to be listed in Hong Kong. Just three days later, on April 20, the Company announced another piece of good news: it has officially entered into a strategic partnership with Leica, the international premium camera brand, to custom-develop high-performance CMOS image sensor chips for Leica's next-generation cameras.

These successive highlights are not only an impressive achievement marking a new stage in the Company's development, but also a vivid microcosm of Jilin's optoelectronics industry, which has been building momentum for years and is now setting sail onto the global stage.

The strong rise of Gpixel is ascribed to more than 70 years of profound scientific research of the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Talent Pool at Its Peak! Seven Decades of Dedication: Building an Elite Optoelectronics Powerhouse

Stepping into the exhibition hall of CIOMP, you are greeted by the palpable legacy of over seven decades of scientific and technological exploration, as well as an epoch-making narrative of perseverance and pioneering spirit. Yellowed photographs and silent instruments capture the pioneering years of optical forerunners such as Wang Daheng and Jiang Zhuying; vibrant modern exhibits, cutting-edge technological achievements, and a thriving industrial landscape trace the clear trajectory of China's optical industry—from its humble beginnings to its current strength, marked by continuous innovation and advancement.

As the "Cradle of Optics" since the founding of the PRC, CIOMP has carried forward its legacy for more than 70 years, inheriting the spirit of its predecessors, and fostering profound scientific research foundations and spiritual heritage. Its persistent efforts in talent cultivation have not been confined to the research institute itself but have continuously extended their reach beyond the institute, pooling momentum to empower development. This has driven the systematic layout and overall improvement of the optoelectronic talent system across the entire province.

Today, Jilin has built a comprehensive talent system with "academicians leading the way, backbone talents providing support, and skilled craftsmen laying the foundation". It brings together more than ten academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, over one hundred doctoral supervisors, more than one thousand top-notch research talent, and tens of thousands of technicians and industrial workers. Local universities such as Jilin University and Changchun University of Science and Technology continue to supply a steady stream of skilled professionals, cultivating more than 5,000 specialized talents annually and forging a full-chain talent ecosystem that integrates talent cultivation, scientific research, and industrial transformation. With predecessors laying the foundation and successors carrying on the cause, the strong talent pool has paved the way for the continuous innovation of Jilin's optoelectronics industry.

Hardcore Achievements Keep Rolling in

With talents gathered and heritage accumulated, scientific innovation thrives endlessly, and achievements come one after another. A solid talent foundation continuously unleashes innovation vitality, driving Jilin to achieve persistent breakthroughs in core optoelectronic fields, with fruitful scientific research achievements blossoming everywhere.

Leveraging its strengths in original scientific research, Jilin has pioneered several groundbreaking technologies in high-end fields such as precision optics, aerospace remote sensing, and CMOS image sensors. A batch of key research projects have been implemented, and several pilot platforms have been included in the first batch of key incubation projects of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Covering six major sectors–semiconductors and high-end manufacturing, satellite technology and low-altitude economy, optoelectronic materials and displays, optoelectronic sensing and instruments, laser technology and applications, and automotive electronics–the province has leveraged an "industry + chain leaders + funds" model to extend, strengthen, and upgrade its industrial chains. It has cultivated a host of "hidden champions" in specialized niche sectors and built an industrial pattern with integrated upstream-downstream collaboration and full-chain synergy.

Good news keeps pouring in from the commercial aerospace sector. On April 14, eight Jilin-1 satellites were successfully launched on a single rocket, bringing the number of in-orbit satellites to 152. They have established the world's largest sub-meter commercial remote sensing satellite constellation. Chang Guang Satellites have driven the clustered development of nearly 300 upstream and downstream supporting and information service enterprises, forming a complete industrial chain that covers core components, satellite manufacturing, and data application services.

In the field of new displays, Cedar Electronics ranks first for its global market share of COB small-pitch LED products, with its proprietary technologies breaking foreign monopolies. Meanwhile, OLED Material Tech's key materials and equipment are on par with international leaders in the sector.

In the field of precision instruments and sensing, Yuheng Optics' grating rulers have successfully replaced imported products on a large scale; GeOptics Sequencing Equipment's gene sequencers lead the world in technical throughput.

A host of leading enterprises have gathered strength and advanced side by side, jointly forging the magnificent landscape of Jilin's optoelectronic industry.

In 2025, the total output value of Changchun's optoelectronic information industry exceeded RMB 90 billion, steadily marching toward a 100 billion-level industrial cluster.

Powered by a "Super Policy Boost"! Aim for RMB 160 Billion During the 15th Five-Year Plan Period

The booming development of the industry is not only supported by endogenous strength, but also safeguarded by top-level planning.

The Jilin Provincial Party Committee and Jilin Provincial People's Government have listed the optoelectronic information industry as the province's "No. 1 Project". The "China Optoelectronic City" has been positioned as the core of the Changchun Modern Metropolitan Area, shouldering the mission of building a world-class optoelectronic industry hub.

During the 15th Five-Year Plan of Jilin Province, clear arrangements have been made to establish a research, development, and manufacturing base for major optoelectronic equipment and key components, and to build the China Optoelectronic City to high standards, thereby charting the course of, and reinforcing the foundation for, the industry's long-term growth.

Standing at a new starting point for development, Jilin will take the construction of the "China Optoelectronic City" as the overarching driver and focus on six core sectors to continuously build on strengths, shore up weaknesses, extend industrial chains, and expand capacity, while promoting the in-depth integration of the innovation, industry, talent, and capital chains. According to the development plan, by the end of the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the overall scale of Changchun's optoelectronic information industry is expected to exceed RMB 160 billion. The industry is poised to grow into another core pillar, following the automotive industry, to support the all-round revitalization and development of Jilin.

Push forward optics and forge ahead with innovation. From its origins as the cradle of China's optical science to its rise as a thriving optoelectronic industry cluster, Jilin is forging ahead steadily in emerging sectors – powered by robust scientific strength, a solid industrial foundation, and high-level strategic opportunities. With its thriving optoelectronic industry, Jilin is writing a new chapter of glory for the new era.

Source: Jilin Release  Editor: Liu Jiadi