Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., commonly known as “Huawei,” was founded in 1987 by Ren Zhengfei in Shenzhen. Originally a small company focusing on telephone switches, Huawei has grown into a global leader in telecommunications equipment, smartphones, cloud computing, and digital solutions.

Early Stage: From Small Workshop to Independent R&D

In 1987, Ren Zhengfei and five partners registered Huawei with an initial capital of 21,000 RMB and only 14 employees. In its early days, Huawei attempted to sell weight-loss products and tombstones, but both ventures failed. Later, Ren shifted focus to telecommunications equipment, starting by reselling telephone switches from Hong Kong companies, gradually gaining experience and initial profits.

By 1989, Huawei independently assembled its first BH01 switch and in the following years launched the HJD48 and BH03 products, marking the company’s transition from imitation to independent R&D. In 1992, with the HJD48 series, Huawei’s sales exceeded 100 million RMB, significantly raising its profile in the Chinese telecommunications market.

Growth Stage: Diversification and Internationalization

From 1994 to 2010, Huawei launched the C&C08 series switches, capturing both rural and urban markets, with annual sales growth exceeding 100%. In 1995, Huawei entered the mobile communications sector, developing the first generation of GSM systems, and in 1997 successfully launched China’s first GSM phone with proprietary intellectual property rights.

During this period, Huawei not only solidified its domestic market position but also began international collaborations. In 2000, Huawei partnered with Motorola to produce mobile phones, accumulating experience in terminal R&D. In 2003, Huawei established Huawei Device Co., Ltd., focusing on mobile phones and laying the groundwork for its entry into the smartphone market.

Maturity Stage: Innovation and Global Expansion

After 2010, Huawei smartphones gradually expanded globally. In 2015, Huawei’s smartphone shipments exceeded 100 million units, making it the world’s third-largest smartphone manufacturer. In 2016, Huawei partnered with Germany’s Leica to launch high-end P and Mate series phones, achieving significant advancements in imaging technology.

At the same time, Huawei continued innovating in 5G, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things. In 2017, Huawei launched a “one network, one platform, multiple applications” urban sensing network. In 2020, HarmonyOS 2.0 was released, providing a new operating system experience for smart devices. In 2023, the Mate 60 series featured Huawei’s self-developed Kirin 9000s processor and HarmonyOS 4.0, showcasing Huawei’s independent capabilities in core technologies.

Looking Forward: Innovation-Driven and Sustainable Growth

Huawei’s journey from a small private enterprise to a global technology giant is a story of resilience and innovation. In a complex international environment, Huawei continues to prioritize independent R&D while exploring emerging fields such as smart homes, automotive technology, and digital cities. Despite external pressures, Huawei remains innovation-driven, committed to providing leading telecommunications and digital solutions to users worldwide.