For years, Chinese hardware companies were best known in global markets for contract manufacturing and cost efficiency. Today, a growing number of them are designing, building, and selling their own products overseas, competing on technology, product experience, and brand rather than price alone.
From robotic lawn mowers used in European households to 3D printers serving makers in the United States; from portable power stations supporting outdoor activities to XR devices exploring new forms of digital interaction, these companies are increasingly integrated into everyday global use cases. Many of them are built on China’s mature supply chain ecosystem, particularly in the Greater Bay Area, while targeting international consumers from the outset.
To identify and document this shift, TechNode, Asia’s most influential international technology innovation service platform, officially launches the 2026 Born Global Awards to recognize both the hardware pioneers conquering overseas markets and the ecosystem builders driving this global expansion.
Two Lists, One Focus: Global Hardware Innovation
The 2026 Born Global Awards consist of two main lists:
1. Born Global 50
Recognizing Chinese hardware companies with established overseas footholds
The Born Global 50 will honor 50 Chinese hardware companies with solid presences in global markets, including North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
The evaluation does not rely solely on revenue scale. Instead, it focuses on three core pillars: innovation capability, overseas market performance, and independent brand development.
Key focus areas include, but are not limited to:
- Yard and home robotics: Robotic lawn mowers, pool cleaners, snow-removal robots, and smart home security products for overseas households.
- Creator tools and productivity hardware: 3D printers, laser engravers, panoramic cameras, and desktop manufacturing tools for global creators and professionals.
- Green energy and mobility: Portable and residential energy storage products, e-bikes, and other electric mobility devices.
- Smart industrial and logistics: AMRs, warehouse automation systems, and industrial inspection equipment for manufacturing and logistics operations.
- Innovative devices and wearables: XR and spatial computing hardware, AI translation devices, exoskeletons, and emerging human-machine interface products.
Applications are also open to companies in MedTech, AgriTech, AutoTech, and other hardware sectors—provided they operate under their own brands and serve overseas markets.
2. Born Global Leaders
Recognizing contributors to the global hardware ecosystem
Global hardware expansion depends on more than just product companies. The Born Global Leaders list highlights individuals and organizations that enable and accelerate international growth, including:
Visionaries (Founders, CEOs, and product leaders)
Those responsible for defining products, leading teams, and building brands for global users.
Backers (Investors and venture capital firms)
Institutions and individuals supporting hardware companies with capital, strategic guidance, and international networks.
Bridge Builders (Platforms and service providers)
Crowdfunding platforms, logistics providers, compliance specialists, marketing agencies, and other infrastructure partners helping companies operate in overseas markets.
Selection Approach: Focus on Long-Term Capability
The 2026 Born Global Awards do not prioritize short-term scale alone. Selection is based on long-term potential and tangible performance in global markets.
For companies, key considerations include overseas revenue or user traction, ownership of independent brands, and the ability to compete through differentiated products rather than cost advantages alone.
For ecosystem leaders, the assessment focuses on measurable contributions to helping Chinese hardware companies enter and scale in international markets.
Participation Benefits
Selected companies and leaders will unlock exclusive benefits to accelerate their global growth, including but not limited to:
- Global Visibility: Exclusive coverage on TechNode’s bilingual platforms, reaching international media, investors, and industry partners.
- Official Recognition: “Born Global” certification serving as a trusted endorsement for partners and customers.
- Networking Opportunities: Opportunities to engage with founders, investors, and ecosystem partners through premier industry events, including BEYOND Expo and XIN Summit.
- Fast-Track Access: Direct advancement to the final selection phase of the 2026 BEYOND Awards for Born Global 50 honorees.
Call for Applications
TechNode invites founders, investors, and ecosystem partners to apply or nominate candidates for the 2026 Born Global Awards. Companies at all stages of global development are welcome, as long as they operate in hardware-related sectors and serve international markets.
Entry fee: Free
Application deadline: February 24, 2026
How to Apply: Please select the relevant category below to submit your application:
For Companies (Born Global 50): [Click here to apply for the Enterprise List] (Or visit: https://cn..com/2026-born-global-50-enterprise-application/)
For Leaders & Ecosystem Partners (Born Global Leaders): [Click here to apply for the Leaders List] (Or visit: https://cn..com/2026-born-global-leaders-application/)
