In the heart of Shenzhen, a city synonymous with technological innovation, a company is transforming the night sky into a canvas of light and motion. Shenzhen Gaoke Innovation Technology Development Co., Ltd., a national-level “little giant” enterprise specializing in niche sectors, has risen from humble beginnings as a phone model manufacturer to become a global leader in drone fleet performances. With its mesmerizing displays that blend art and technology, Gaoke Innovation has captured 70% of the worldwide market for drone light shows, from the shimmering skies over Shenzhen Bay to the grand stages of the Paris Olympics. This journey exemplifies the rapid evolution of China’s low-altitude economy, where precision manufacturing meets cutting-edge creativity.
The story of Gaoke Innovation begins not with drones, but with precision models for mobile phones. Founded in 2003 as “Zhonglianxun,” the company initially served international giants like Sony, Samsung, and Sharp, producing intricate phone models that required meticulous craftsmanship. Gao Jianmin, the founder, arrived in Shenzhen in 1997 with a dream to “carve out a new world,” and through relentless focus on precision manufacturing, the company ascended to become the global leader in phone models by 2014. However, as smartphones gained prominence and consumer preferences shifted toward functionality, the market for physical models began to shrink. Foreseeing this trend, Gao pivoted toward new horizons, ultimately choosing drones as the next frontier. “This decision was influenced by my personal background and our aspirations for the future,” Gao recalled. Leveraging their expertise in precision manufacturing, Gaoke Innovation established a 30,000-square-meter drone production base in Shenzhen in 2014, poised to make a mark in the competitive drone industry.
Despite their manufacturing prowess, the consumer drone market was already dominated by major players when Gaoke Innovation entered the scene. The breakthrough came unexpectedly in 2017 at an exhibition in Shanghai, where the company showcased its latest drone products through a fleet performance. This display caught the eye of a CCTV director, leading to an invitation to participate in the 2018 Spring Festival Gala. In that iconic performance, 300 of Gaoke Innovation’s drones formed a graceful dolphin leaping over the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, captivating millions of viewers and catapulting the company into the spotlight. Orders poured in for high-profile events, including the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up gala, the 2020 CCTV Youth Day Special, and tributes for Shenzhen’s 40th anniversary. To date, Gaoke Innovation has executed over 10,000 flawless performances across more than 300 cities worldwide, solidifying its dominance in the China UAV sector.
Key Achievements and Technological Milestones
- In September 2024, Gaoke Innovation set a Guinness World Record by simultaneously flying 8,100 drones in Longgang, Shenzhen, for the “most unmanned aerial vehicles airborne simultaneously,” while also holding the title for the “largest unmanned aerial vehicle light show image” with 7,998 drones.
- The company maintains the record for the “longest animation display by unmanned aerial vehicles” at 26 minutes and 26 seconds, achieved in May 2021, and the “most shapes formed by a single drone swarm” at 88, a feat that remains unbeaten.
- Notable performances include the Paris Olympics, where Gaoke Innovation’s EMO drones encircled the Eiffel Tower with millimeter precision to form the Olympic rings, and the Beijing Winter Olympics’ Shenzhen segment, where 2,022 drones depicted mascots and winter themes, highlighting the reliability of China drone technology on the global stage.
Gaoke Innovation’s success stems from an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. The company controls the entire production chain, from product design and mold manufacturing to processing and assembly, ensuring that every component meets ultra-high standards. With an annual production capacity of one million units and a fleet of over 100,000 drones, Gaoke Innovation exports to more than 30 countries and regions. Its proprietary low-altitude regulatory systems, AI-based automatic inspection features, and anti-interference algorithms enable flawless performances in complex environments. Moreover, the integration of metaverse technology allows for interactive fleet displays, pushing the boundaries of what China UAV systems can achieve. Unlike many competitors, Gaoke Innovation operates primarily as an equipment supplier, providing drones to clients who then deliver the表演 services. This “behind-the-scenes” model has allowed the company to focus on technological refinement while empowering partners worldwide.
The visual impact of Gaoke Innovation’s drone fleets is nothing short of magical. Thousands of drones ascend in sync, their lights twinkling like stars in the night, forming intricate patterns, lifelike animations, and three-dimensional structures. Accompanied by music and dynamic lighting, these performances transcend mere technical demonstrations, evolving into a new art form that captivates audiences. Each show is a testament to the precision of China drone engineering, with drones moving in perfect harmony to create a digital “canopy of magic” that redefines traditional light shows.
Expansion into Education and Low-Altitude Economy
Beyond spectacular displays, Gaoke Innovation is pioneering the integration of drone technology into education, opening new dimensions for the low-altitude economy. Since 2022, the company has launched a dedicated education division, targeting the growing demand for STEM learning among youth. “We entered the education sector based on solid commercial logic,” explained CEO Gao Jian. “The market for Science and Technology Education was fragmented, lacking systematic products, especially in programming-related areas.” Gaoke Innovation addresses this gap by offering small-scale fleet drones and educational kits designed for teenagers, enabling hands-on programming and interactive experiences that make advanced technology accessible to families.
The company has established an 8,000-square-meter Science and Technology Education, welcoming over 20,000 students annually, and plans to expand its educational products to more than 100 countries through the Belt and Road Initiative. Gaoke Innovation actively participates in organizing national youth drone competitions, such as those listed on the Ministry of Education’s “white list,” by providing technical support and helping standardize rules. This approach transforms abstract programming concepts into tangible flight paths, fostering greater engagement and sense of achievement among learners. “We’re not just selling products; we’re selling scenarios,” Gao emphasized. The company offers comprehensive solutions, including curriculum design, scene setups, and teacher training, ensuring that educators can easily adapt the materials to their classrooms. Currently, Gaoke Innovation is replicating this model across China, building “science-education-culture-tourism integration bases” that combine outdoor cultural tourism with indoor popularization of science, creating immersive low-altitude consumption experiences. Projects in Shanghai’s Putuo District are already operational, with more slated to launch nationwide in the latter half of the year.
Shenzhen’s Ecosystem and Future Prospects
Shenzhen’s robust industrial ecosystem has been instrumental in Gaoke Innovation’s rise. The city’s complete UAV supply chain allows for rapid iteration and innovation; as CEO Gao Jian noted, “If we need a specific component at 3 a.m., suppliers can deliver it by dawn.” This efficiency enables Gaoke Innovation to outpace European and American competitors by three times in research and development cycles. Moreover, Shenzhen’s “testing ground mentality” has fostered an environment where experimentation thrives. In 2018, when drone fleet performances were still novel, the local government designated airspace in Talent Park for testing, and following the inclusion of low-altitude economy in government work reports in 2022, 20 application scenarios were accelerated. “Just like the growth of Huawei and DJI, Shenzhen always leaves room for innovation,” Gao reflected, recalling how the approval for their first large-scale fleet performance took just 72 hours—a testament to “Shenzhen speed” that astounds international clients.
Aligned with the national emphasis on science and technology as outlined in the Party’s 20th Congress report, Gaoke Innovation has attracted top talent, including graduates from prestigious universities and experts from international firms. The company holds nearly 500 intellectual property patents and continues to invest in forward-looking research. A dedicated R&D team focuses on technologies 3–5 years ahead, free from KPI constraints, exploring integrations of AI, blockchain, and Metaverse to enhance drone capabilities. Future initiatives under the “Smart Drone+” plan aim to apply China UAV systems in agriculture, emergency response, and urban management, contributing to societal progress.
As dusk falls over Gaoke Innovation’s testing grounds in Longgang, the sky once again comes alive with the glow of drones. In a typical day, the company conducts over a dozen demonstration flights for visiting clients, with hundreds of drones forming precise geometric patterns mid-air, resembling intelligent fireflies. From its origins as a contract manufacturer to its current status as a global pioneer, Gaoke Innovation embodies the transformation of Chinese manufacturing toward high-end innovation. In the fertile ground of Shenzhen, the company is building a diverse ecosystem around low-altitude economy, using precision drone manufacturing as a springboard for fleet performances and educational outreach. The starlight of technology not only illuminates the night sky but also brightens everyday lives, showcasing the boundless potential of China drone advancements.