From Chinese makers of humanoid robots to India’s new generation of drones and innovations in green energy–meet this year’s entrepreneurs making strides in Industry, Manufacturing & Energy.

Guo Renjie set up Suzhou-based JoyIn Technology in 2024 to make a “much more interactive” range of companion robots aimed at the elderly and children. The startup has launched four humanoids, including the 50cm-tall Zeroth M1, which was unveiled in January with a price tag of 10,000 yuan ($1,500). Powered by customized versions of various AI models, including Alibaba’s Qwen series, M1 is capable of gauging facial expressions and starting a conversation if someone appears lonely and can also read books to children.

Guo is one of the entrepreneurs on this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia: Industry, Manufacturing & Energy list who are creating humanoid robots and playing a part in this booming industry in China.

His company’s lineup also includes a $4,000 version of Wall-E, the robot in Disney’s classic animation movie of the same name, following a licensing deal with the film production giant. “With the rapid changes in technology, robots can satisfy more needs,” says Guo, adding that JoyIn has received nearly 20,000 pre-orders for the M1 as of April, including from schools and elderly care centers in China, with deliveries expected to start in December.

With the rapid changes in technology, robots can satisfy more needs. Guo Renjie, Founder of JoyIn

With the rapid changes in technology, robots can satisfy more needs.

JoyIn was valued at $351 million in October and has raised over $70 million across three rounds from investors including IDG Capital, Jinqiu Capital and Eastern Bell Capital. After undergrad studies in energy and power engineering at Xi’an Jiaotong University, Guo earned a master’s........

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