Tech Giants: Starting from Bankrupt Companies

36: Chapter 36: Breaking the Mold and Establishing Self-Reliance, A Single Spark Can Start a Prairie FireThe dark clouds of joint suppression by the US and Europe had not dissipated, but within Spark Technology, a completely different atmosphere was replacing the previous oppression.

It was a kind of determination born from being backed into a corner, abandoning all illusions, and burning bridges, which in turn sparked astonishing creativity and drive.

Su Chen did not waste any time on useless anger or lamentation; his response was thunderous action.

On September 15, 2016, a highly anticipated press conference was being held in the press conference hall of Spark Technology’s headquarters.

Facing the barrage of cameras and flashing strobe lights, spokesperson Liang Zhen appeared calm, but his tone was resolute.

”Based on the current unfair international business environment and uncontrollable political risks, Spark Technology solemnly announces,” Liang Zhen’s voice echoed through the venue via the microphone, ”that all consumer-grade products under our brand, including drones and cameras, will *temporarily withdraw completely from the North American and European Union markets*, effective immediately.”

There was an uproar in the audience.

This was undoubtedly a direct admission of the current predicament, but Spark’s attitude was not one of submission.

”At the same time, to maintain the continuity of our overseas business and reciprocate the trust of our global partners, Spark Technology will adjust its business model.”

”During the transition period, we will focus on providing power battery solutions and customized core modules for optoelectronic products to international enterprises (such as automotive and industrial equipment manufacturers) that are not affected by political factors.”

This meant that Spark would temporarily retreat from the front stage to behind the scenes, maintaining contact with the international industrial chain as a core technology supplier.

Speaking about the European Union’s 1 billion euro fine, Liang Zhen’s tone became extremely tough: ”The European Union’s decision is based on prejudice and false accusations. It is a typical act of protectionism that completely violates the principles of a market economy and fair competition. Spark Technology *refuses to acknowledge the rationality of this verdict and refuses to pay this illegal fine*!”

He scanned the European media reporters present with sharp eyes: ”Our legal team has already filed an appeal in the courts of Brussels and Luxembourg, and we will use every legal means to defend our legitimate rights and interests. We have the confidence and the determination to fight this lawsuit to the end, even if it takes several years!”

This was a clear signal: Spark would not yield to extortion and would use the law as a weapon to conduct a protracted war of attrition.

At the same time as the press conference, in the ultra-clean laboratory of the Xinghuo Chip temporary R&D center in Guancheng, the atmosphere was so tense that heartbeats could almost be heard.

Luo Qinghe, Jiang Jing, and Anderson Li were gathered in front of a precision testing instrument, with complex code and data scrolling rapidly across the screen.

”Final functional test... passed!” a young engineer shouted excitedly, his voice trembling.

Luo Qinghe let out a long sigh of relief, an uncontrollable smile appearing on his usually serious face.

He turned around and said to Su Chen, who was standing in the back and connected via encrypted video link: ”Mr. Su, *Spark’s first 28-nanometer process SOC chip, optimized specifically for drones and high-end cameras, ’flint one’, has successfully taped out! All preset functions have been achieved, and performance has reached 105% of the design specifications!*”

On the screen, Su Chen showed the most relieved expression he had worn in months.

”Hard work, Old Luo! Hard work, everyone!” He knew how significant this chip, which seemed to be only 28 nanometers, was.

It might not be the most advanced, but it was completely independently designed and had been successfully taped out relying on their own strength under such strict blockades!

It proved that the technical path of Xinghuo Chip was feasible and the team was reliable!

”This is just a beginning,” Jiang Jing added, pointing to the architecture diagram next to her.