From "Made in China" to "Created for the Globe": TechNode Launches the 2026 Born Global Awards

For years, the dominant narrative around Chinese hardware was one of assembly lines and cost efficiency. Companies were celebrated for their ability to manufacture products designed elsewhere, at scale and at a lower price. That story is changing. A new cohort of Chinese hardware companies is emerging, one that designs, builds, and sells its own products directly to consumers overseas. They are competing not on price alone, but on technology, user experience, and brand identity.

This shift is visible in the products gaining traction in international markets. European households are using robotic lawn mowers designed in Shenzhen. American makers are relying on 3D printers from Chinese startups for their creative projects. Portable power stations for outdoor adventures and XR headsets for new forms of digital interaction are increasingly coming from Chinese brands that targeted global users from their inception. Many of these companies leverage China's mature supply chain, particularly in the Greater Bay Area, but their end goal is a global customer base.

To document and recognize this transition, TechNode, Asia's most influential international technology innovation service platform, has officially launched the 2026 Born Global Awards. The initiative aims to spotlight both the hardware pioneers conquering overseas markets and the ecosystem builders who make this global expansion possible.

Two Lists, One Focus: Global Hardware Innovation

The 2026 Born Global Awards are structured around two distinct lists, each targeting a different facet of the global hardware ecosystem.

1. Born Global 50: Recognizing Companies with Established Overseas Footprints

This list honors 50 Chinese hardware companies that have built a solid presence in international markets, including North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. The evaluation criteria deliberately move beyond simple revenue metrics. Instead, the awards focus on three core pillars: innovation capability, overseas market performance, and independent brand development.

The program is particularly interested in several key sectors:

• Yard and Home Robotics: This includes products like robotic lawn mowers, pool cleaners, and smart home security devices designed for overseas households. The goal is to identify companies creating intelligent solutions for everyday home maintenance.
• Creator Tools and Productivity Hardware: This category covers 3D printers, laser engravers, panoramic cameras, and desktop manufacturing tools. These are products aimed at global creators, hobbyists, and professionals who need reliable, innovative hardware for their work.
• Green Energy and Mobility: The focus here is on portable and residential energy storage products, e-bikes, and other electric mobility devices. As sustainability becomes a global priority, companies in this space are critical.
• Smart Industrial and Logistics: This includes Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), warehouse automation systems, and industrial inspection equipment. These technologies are transforming manufacturing and logistics operations worldwide.
• Innovative Devices and Wearables: This broad category encompasses XR and spatial computing hardware, AI translation devices, exoskeletons, and emerging human-machine interface products. It represents the frontier of how humans will interact with technology.

Applications are also welcome from 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 Ecosystem Contributors

Global hardware expansion is never a solo endeavor. It requires a supportive ecosystem. The Born Global Leaders list highlights the individuals and organizations that enable and accelerate this international growth. The list is divided into three roles:

• Visionaries: These are the founders, CEOs, and product leaders responsible for defining products, leading teams, and building brands that resonate with global users.
• Backers: This group includes investors and venture capital firms that provide not just capital, but also strategic guidance and access to international networks. Their support is crucial for navigating the complexities of global markets.
• Bridge Builders: This category covers platforms and service providers that help hardware companies operate abroad. This includes crowdfunding platforms, logistics providers, compliance specialists, marketing agencies, and other infrastructure partners.

A Selection Approach Focused on Long-Term Capability

The 2026 Born Global Awards are designed to look beyond short-term scale. The selection process prioritizes long-term potential and tangible performance in global markets.

For companies, key considerations include:

• Overseas revenue or user traction.
• Ownership of an independent brand.
• 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.

Benefits for Selected Participants

Companies and leaders selected for the Born Global Awards will receive exclusive benefits designed to accelerate their global growth:

• Global Visibility: Exclusive coverage on TechNode’s bilingual platforms, which reach international media, investors, and industry partners.
• Official Recognition: A “Born Global” certification that serves as a trusted endorsement for potential partners and customers.
• Networking Opportunities: Access to premier industry events like BEYOND Expo and XIN Summit, providing opportunities to connect with founders, investors, and ecosystem partners.
• Fast-Track Access: Honorees on the Born Global 50 list will be fast-tracked to the final selection phase of the 2026 BEYOND Awards.

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, provided they operate in hardware-related sectors and serve international markets.

• Entry fee: Free
• Application deadline: February 24, 2026

How to Apply:

• For Companies (Born Global 50): Click here to apply for the Enterprise List
• For Leaders & Ecosystem Partners (Born Global Leaders): Click here to apply for the Leaders List

This awards program is more than a recognition ceremony; it is a snapshot of a fundamental shift. The companies being honored are not just exporting goods; they are exporting innovation, design, and brand identity. They represent the evolution of China's tech sector from a workshop of the world to a creator for the globe. The Born Global Awards will help map this new landscape, identifying the companies and individuals who are redefining what it means to be a Chinese hardware company in the 21st century.