Inside the production facility of Qingdao LAF Technology Co Ltd in Qingdao, Shandong province, automated lines hum with precision, transforming rolls of specialty polymer materials into flexitanks - large, single-use bags designed to transport non-hazardous liquids in standard shipping containers - each capable of holding up to 25 metric tons.

"At first glance, our flexitanks may seem simple, but they incorporate multiple technological breakthroughs," said Han Fucheng, general manager of Qingdao LAF Technology.

With cutting-edge technology and expertise in bulk fluid packaging solutions, Qingdao LAF Technology Co Ltd is a world-leading manufacturer of heat-resistant flexitanks. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

To meet the demands of transporting various liquids — from wines to high-temperature asphalt — the company's R&D team has tackled challenges related to oxygen barrier performance, heat resistance, and high-density sealing.

Meanwhile, Triumph Haofeng Agricultural Group Co Ltd, located in Laixi, a county-level city in Qingdao, is home to the largest smart glass greenhouse operator in China.

Triumph Haofeng Agricultural Group Co Ltd is home to the largest smart glass greenhouse operator in China. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"Using our self-developed digital twin system and intelligent production equipment, we are able to precisely control temperature, light, water, air, and nutrients - linking agricultural production with supply chain services," said Ma Tiejun, deputy general manager of the company.

The system enables year-round harvesting — up to 10 months annually — with a daily output of over 40 tons of cherry tomatoes, six to eight times higher than traditional greenhouses, Ma added.

In Qingdao, a new wave of innovative private enterprises — particularly "hidden unicorns" like LAF Technology and Triumph Haofeng — is growing rapidly. These companies are pioneers in niche markets, using advanced technologies to drive the development of new quality productive forces.

Qingdao Eoroom Smart Home Technology Co Ltd, based in Jiaozhou, another county-level city in Qingdao, specializes in intelligent home solutions. It boasts 16 core technologies — ranging from smart storage and ultraviolet sterilization to embedded lighting — and six integrated systems, including intelligent temperature control and home interaction platforms.

Qingdao Eoroom Smart Home Technology Co Ltd specializes in intelligent home solutions. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"We're committed to advancing smart home innovation through scenario-based product upgrades," said Lian Jingjin, the company's general manager.

Another standout, China Ecology Technology Investment Holding Group, produces intelligent life jackets that transmit real-time satellite coordinates of wearers in distress, enabling rapid rescue operations.

Supportive local policies have contributed to the growth of these "hidden unicorn" companies. Qingdao has launched a three-year action plan (2025–27) to promote the development of unicorn and gazelle companies. The plan includes incentives for funding, talent recruitment, and market expansion.

"These companies may not be large in scale, but they are national and even global leaders in their specialized fields," said Jiang Changhai, deputy director of the Qingdao Municipal Bureau for Private Sector Development.

According to official statistics, the city is now home to several unicorn companies, injecting fresh momentum into Qingdao's innovation landscape.