Zhongke Qingneng, a pioneering firm in deep cryogenic technology, has successfully closed its Pre-A++ financing round, securing nearly $71.8 Million. The funding round attracted a diverse group of prominent investors, co-led by Dinghui Baifu, NIO Capital, Guoxin Fund, and Kunpeng Capital. This significant capital injection underscores the strategic importance of cryogenic systems as foundational infrastructure for next-generation industries like nuclear fusion, hydrogen energy, and aerospace.
Fueling Strategic Technological Advancement
The newly acquired funds are earmarked for ambitious research and development initiatives and capacity expansion. The company plans to develop larger-scale liquid hydrogen systems, advanced nuclear fusion refrigeration units, and third-generation quantum cryogenic sensing systems. A significant portion of the investment will also support the construction of its second-phase manufacturing center, bolstering its production capabilities to meet growing demand.
Investors view Zhongke Qingneng as a critical enabler of future energy and technology ecosystems. Guan Yufan, a partner at NIO Capital, highlighted that the company is not merely an equipment supplier but a foundational builder of the future energy framework. This perspective is shared by other investors, who recognize the company's deep industrial expertise and its potential to drive innovation in challenging, high-impact sectors.
Pioneering Solutions for National Projects
The company's core technology originates from years of research at the Hefei Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in magnetic confinement fusion. Under the leadership of CEO Pan Weiwei, former director of the CGN Research Institute, the team leverages extensive experience from major global fusion projects like ITER and EAST. This deep scientific foundation enables the company to tackle complex engineering challenges and deliver robust solutions.
A key achievement is the delivery of a 3kW@4.5K helium refrigerator for the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT), a major national scientific installation. This system is currently the largest-power helium refrigerator in operation within China's nuclear fusion sector, marking a significant milestone in domestic technological capability. The company is now developing a 20kW@4.5K system, which is anticipated to be the world's largest single-unit helium refrigeration equipment upon its release.
In the aerospace sector, Zhongke Qingneng has also demonstrated its prowess by providing the first fully domestically produced hydrogen liquefaction equipment for China's space program. Its 1-ton-per-day unit has been instrumental in supporting the launch missions of the "Long March 8" rocket from the Hainan commercial spaceport. This successful application in a mission-critical environment validates the reliability and performance of its advanced cryogenic technology.
Accelerating Commercialization and Market Growth
The company is rapidly translating its technological breakthroughs into commercial success. It has developed and secured a contract for a 5-ton-per-day hydrogen liquefaction plant, which is scheduled for commercial operation in September 2026. This facility is poised to become China's first commercial liquid hydrogen plant of this scale, signaling a major step forward in the country's hydrogen energy infrastructure.
Beyond large-scale systems, Zhongke Qingneng has successfully commercialized its deep cryogenic sensing systems, with over 200 units already shipped to various national scientific projects. The company is also developing a 35-ton-per-day hydrogen liquefaction unit, which has already attracted nine binding global pre-orders. This strong market traction reflects the growing global demand for advanced and reliable cryogenic solutions across multiple industries.
This latest funding round is a powerful endorsement of Zhongke Qingneng's technological leadership and strategic vision. By advancing critical cryogenic technologies, the company is not only strengthening its market position but also playing a vital role in bolstering national energy security and technological self-reliance. The investment will accelerate its mission to provide core equipment for strategic emerging industries, driving both its own growth and the broader sustainable development agenda.