A new wave of manufacturing startups is transforming the industry with AI, robotics, and automation. Backed by $50M to $100M, these companies are scaling smart technologies that boost efficiency, cut costs, and modernize production.
From digital twins to cloud-connected systems, their innovations are powering the next generation of manufacturing.
The Future of Industry | 10 Startups Driving the Shift
These startups are reshaping how the world builds—faster, smarter, and more sustainably. Let’s explore who’s leading the charge.
| Company Name | Founded | Location | Employees | Last Funding Amount | Last Funding Date | Total Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Absolics | 2021 | Covington, Georgia, USA | 101–250 | $75M | May 23, 2024 | $175M |
| Chuangrui Spectrum | 2016 | Dalian Shi, Liaoning, China | 51–100 | CN¥100M | Dec 23, 2024 | CN¥100M |
| Bodun Optoelectronics | 2016 | Zhongshan, Guangdong, China | 11–50 | CN¥100M | Sep 12, 2024 | CN¥100M |
| Youzhong New Material Technology | 2015 | Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China | 501–1000 | CN¥100M | Apr 29, 2024 | CN¥100M |
| Huixin Laser Technology | 2019 | Quanzhou, Fujian, China | 101–250 | CN¥100M | Oct 17, 2024 | CN¥100M |
| Orbitworks | 2024 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | 1–10 | $100M | Aug 26, 2024 | $100M |
| Argá Medtech | 2020 | Epalinges, Vaud, Switzerland | 1–10 | €54M | Feb 27, 2024 | €54M |
| UDEER AI | 2022 | Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China | 101–250 | CN¥100M | May 31, 2024 | CN¥100M |
| Haofeng Medtech | 2020 | Fengxian, Shanghai, China | 11–50 | CN¥100M | Jan 1, 2025 | CN¥100M |
| MCT Millimeter Intelligence | 2022 | Changzhou, Zhejiang, China | 1–10 | CN¥100M | Apr 19, 2024 | CN¥100M |
1. Absolics
- Founded: 2021
- Location: Covington, Georgia, USA
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Number of Employees: 101–250
- Last Funding Amount: $75M (Latest Round: May 23, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $175M
Absolics, a subsidiary of SKC Co. Ltd., specializes in manufacturing advanced glass substrates for the semiconductor industry. These substrates are crucial for enhancing the performance and energy efficiency of semiconductor packages used in various electronic devices. The company is pioneering the mass production of this innovative material, aiming to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor supply chain.
2. Chuangrui Spectrum
- Founded: 2016
- Location: Dalian Shi, Liaoning, China
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Number of Employees: 51–100
- Last Funding Amount: CN¥100M (Latest Round: December 23, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: CN¥100M
Chuangrui Spectrum is a Chinese technology company specializing in semiconductor defect detection through advanced transient spectroscopy. Founded in 2016, the company develops and industrializes precision instruments that analyze material properties at micro and nano scales. Its solutions are used across semiconductor manufacturing and quality control processes, providing critical insights for improving efficiency and reducing defects in production lines.
3. Bodun Optoelectronics
- Founded: April 2016
- Location: Zhongshan, Guangdong, China
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Number of Employees: 11–50
- Last Funding Amount: CN¥100M (Latest Round: September 12, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: CN¥100M
Bodun Optoelectronics, established in April 2016 and headquartered in Zhongshan, Guangdong, China, specializes in the research, development, production, and sales of optoelectronic devices and lighting solutions. The company’s product portfolio includes LED
4. Youzhong New Material Technology
- Founded: 2015
- Location: Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Number of Employees: 501–1000
- Last Funding Amount: CN¥100M (Latest Round: April 29, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: CN¥100M
Youzhong New Material Technology, established in 2015 and located in Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China, specializes in the research, development, production, and sales of new materials. The company holds a portfolio of 27 patents, reflecting its commitment to innovation in the materials sector.
5. Huixin Laser Technology
- Founded: February 2019
- Location: Quanzhou, Fujian, China
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Number of Employees: 101–250
- Last Funding Amount: CN¥100M (Latest Round: October 17, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: CN¥100M
Huixin Laser Technology, established in February 2019 and headquartered in Fujian Province, China, specializes in the research, development, production, and sales of laser technology applications. The company holds a portfolio of 49 patents, reflecting its commitment to innovation in the laser technology sector.
6. Orbitworks
- Founded: 2024
- Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: $100M (Latest Round: August 26, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $100M
Orbitworks, established in 2024 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, is the region’s first private space infrastructure company. A joint venture between Marlan Space and Loft Orbital, Orbitworks aims to revolutionize the Middle East’s space industry by developing commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The company plans to produce up to 50 satellites annually, each weighing approximately 500 kg.
7. Argá Medtech
- Founded: June 2020
- Location: Epalinges, Vaud, Switzerland
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Number of Employees: 1–10
- Last Funding Amount: €54M (Latest Round: February 27, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: €54M
Argá Medtech, co-founded in June 2020 by CEO David Neale and CTO Randy Werneth, is developing a Coherent Sine-Burst Electroporation™ (CSE™) Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) system to treat cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF). The company’s innovative approach utilizes a single, multi-configurable catheter and a unique CSE™ PFA waveform, allowing for precise energy delivery and lesion depth titration based on tissue location within the heart.
8. UDEER AI
- Founded: December 16, 2022
- Location: Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Number of Employees: 101-250
- Last Funding Amount: CN¥100M (Latest Round: May 31, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: CN¥100M
UDEER AI PTE. LTD., established on December 16, 2022, is a private limited company based in Singapore. The company operates primarily in the wholesale trade sector, engaging in the distribution of a variety of goods without a dominant product focus.
9. Haofeng Medtech
- Founded: January 2020
- Location: Fengxian, Shanghai, China
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: CN¥100M (Latest Round: January 1, 2025)
- Total Funding Amount: CN¥100M
Haofeng Medical Technology Co., Ltd., established in 2013 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, is a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in interventional medical devices. The company offers comprehensive services throughout the product lifecycle, including research and development, pre-registration production, design, manufacturing, and post-market contract production.
10. MCT Millimeter Intelligence
- Founded: 2022
- Location: Changzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: CN¥100M (Latest Round: April 19, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: CN¥100M
MCT Millimeter Intelligence specializes in the development of millimeter-wave technology solutions, focusing on precision measurement and automation in manufacturing processes. The company is committed to advancing innovation in the fields of high-precision sensors and intelligent equipment for industrial applications.
Conclusion
The $50M to $100M raised by 10 manufacturing startups reflects the growing potential of innovative manufacturing technologies. These startups are harnessing automation, AI, and sustainable practices to improve production efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. As they scale, they will significantly transform manufacturing processes and global supply chains, driving the future of industry.
FAQs
Q. Why are manufacturing startups attracting large investments?
A. Investors see high potential in technologies that boost productivity, reduce costs, and improve sustainability in manufacturing.
Q. What innovations are these startups developing?
A. They focus on automation, AI, robotics, and sustainable practices to enhance production efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Q. How does AI improve manufacturing?
A. AI optimizes production, predicts maintenance needs, and automates processes, increasing efficiency and reducing downtime.