The great ideal of 'China Core' in the next five years, Spreadtrum will be realized together with Zhang Jiang

They are the original pioneers of Zhangjiang. These are esteemed academicians, leading figures in their fields, and visionaries who have shaped the nation's technological future. They are the trailblazers of the industry, and they have found their place in Zhangjiang to realize their dreams.

Zhangjiang has transformed from farmland into a city of innovation. While its achievements have evolved, its dream remains strong. To mark the 25th anniversary of Zhangjiang Jianyuan, we share 25 stories of individuals who have pursued their dreams here, honoring every person who has worked hard for their aspirations.

In the next five years, Spreadtrum will grow alongside Zhangjiang.

The great vision of “China Core”.

— Dr. Li Liyou

On May 12, 2008, Li Liyou officially became the president and CEO of Spreadtrum. That same day at 14:28, a massive earthquake struck Wenchuan, Sichuan. Though thousands of miles away, Li felt a slight tremor in his new office.

At the time, Spreadtrum was facing one of its most challenging moments. Just a year earlier, the company had made history by listing on NASDAQ as China’s first 3G stock. However, by 2008, the company had fallen into crisis. Its stock price dropped to just 73 cents, and it was on the verge of delisting. By early 2009, Spreadtrum was nearly bankrupt, with only one customer left and liquidity barely enough to cover two quarters of operations.

Many doubted whether Li, newly appointed, could turn things around. But he did—not just once, but completely.

Data shows that under Li’s leadership, Spreadtrum’s annual revenue increased tenfold, and its market value soared 51 times. By 2016, Spreadtrum’s chip shipments accounted for 27% of the global total, making it one of the world’s largest mobile chip suppliers.

Despite this success, Li remains humble. In his small office in the Zhangjiang Exhibition Building, when asked about the secret to turning the company around, he simply said, “luck.” He smiled and added, “At the time, the company’s revenue was almost zero. I don’t think I could have turned that number negative!”

But behind his modest words lies a deep understanding of the industry and a pragmatic approach. Li chose Zhangjiang not just as a new career stop, but because he saw its potential. He believed that as the global economy evolves, the semiconductor industry would shift eastward, and China would play a central role.

When Spreadtrum was founded in 2001, the Shanghai government and Zhangjiang authorities provided crucial support, including funding for R&D. This commitment impressed Li and reinforced his belief in the region’s potential.

Today, Zhangjiang has become a hub for semiconductors, with a complete industrial chain spanning R&D, production, sales, and application. It’s more than just a tech park—it’s a true Silicon Valley of China.

Spreadtrum’s journey reflects this growth. From lagging behind Western technology in the 2G era, to closing the gap in 3G, and now being competitive in 4G and even synchronized with global standards in 5G, the company has come a long way.

“We’ve shifted from a local market to a global chip supplier,” Li said. “We’ve made progress in talent, distribution, and product diversification. With 16nm and 14nm chips already launched, and 7nm in development, we believe that in the next five years, Spreadtrum will not only be the top chip supplier globally, but also hold a strong position in the high-end market. We will work with Zhangjiang to achieve the great dream of ‘China Core’.”

Dr. Li Liyou

He currently serves as Global Executive Vice President of Ziguang Group; Chairman and CEO of Spreadtrum Communications Co., Ltd.; Chairman of RDA Microelectronics (RDA); and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA). He holds a B.S. from the University of Science and Technology of China, an M.S. in Electronics from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland, and an MBA from the University of California, San Diego. With over 30 years of experience in wireless communications, he has held leadership roles at companies like Magicomm Technology Inc., Broadcom, Moblink Telecom, and others. He is also the holder of 12 patents in wireless communication systems and related technologies.