Wall panel warms startup's prospects

This photo taken on Nov 8, 2022 shows the venue of the Light of Internet Expo in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Xinhua]

This is a hot piece of technology — literally. Measuring just 1.2 centimeters in thickness and less than 3 square meters in size, this wall panel can make indoor air temperatures rise 7 degrees Celsius in 25 minutes in a 12-square-meter room.

The key to its temperature alteration is a membrane, 0.188 mm thick, inserted in the panel.

The material, developed by Tsinghan Tech — a startup in the new material sector located in Tongxiang city, Zhejiang province, has been put into production since September.

Wang Xin, CEO of Tsinghan Tech, said the project was made real thanks to last year's World Internet Conference, during which his company signed a contract with Chongfu township, Tongxiang. The WIC has been held for eight consecutive years in Wuzhen town in Tongxiang.

"It's far from enough to just have good technology for a company to achieve business success. The WIC is a great world-class platform for technology companies like us to let more clients know about our technology and products, to increase brand influence and customer recognition," Wang said.

Wang and other executives of the company, most of whom graduated from Tsinghua University, were attracted to come to Tongxiang last year by the city's favorable policies and alumni experience.

"Tongxiang city, where the WIC is held every year, has preferential policies for talent to start entrepreneurship and run businesses, such as financial support, affordable rent, and introducing numerous resources for cooperation," he said.

"In addition, I have heard many inspiring stories of Tsinghua alumni successfully running their companies here, which is an important reason why I am attracted to the city," he added.

The company has a number of patents on heating technology and products.

"The membrane for heating that was put into production is thin and flexible. It can fit well into walls, floors and even paintings. It is also more stable, lower in cost and more energy efficient than traditional heating materials," Wang said.

At present, Tsinghan Tech has developed partnerships with multiple Tongxiang-based companies such as Zhejiang Tonghui Textile and Kingdom Flooring. It also aims to contribute to local companies transitioning to high-quality development with its advantage in new materials.

"We also aim to develop technologies and products that will be used in a wider range of areas aside from heating in buildings. For instance, we are eyeing heating for the agriculture industry, military equipment, automobile, and chemicals," Wang said.

Wang said he has been inviting more Tsinghua alumni to start businesses in Tongxiang. "We see here a good business environment, strong atmosphere of innovation. Over the years, influenced by the WIC, the city has attracted an increasing number of talents, businesses, and projects, as well as promoted a series of cooperation among companies and communications among experts. Tongxiang is emerging as a center of innovation," he said.