Shenzhen Zego Technology Co., Ltd., also known as ZEGO, is a Chinese enterprise specializing in real-time communication (RTC) and AI-driven digital human technologies. The company developed the "ZEGOCLOUD" (zegocloud.com) platform, offering services like customizable AI-generated digital human avatars for video production, livestreaming, and virtual interaction. ZEGO provides full-stack solutions including APIs, SaaS platforms, and privacy-compliant digital human services. Their products are used in sectors such as e-commerce, education, customer service, and broadcasting. ZEGO has collaborated with Huawei Cloud, participated in national conferences, and received industry awards for its innovations in digital human technology and AI integration.
4Utech, officially known as Shiyou Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., is a Chinese company specializing in full-stack digital human solutions. Established in 2015, it offers customized virtual digital humans for industries including tourism, broadcasting, finance, and education. Its offerings include real-time AI-powered avatars, interactive systems, and virtual studios. The company has developed its own 3D next-generation engine and proprietary tools such as the "BOTA AI Digital Human" and a “Virtual Factory” system for rapid avatar production. 4Utech provides 2D, 2.5D, and 3D digital humans, and emphasizes applications in smart exhibitions, livestreaming, marketing, and cultural heritage. Its solutions support realistic interaction, voice-driven animation, and rapid content generation, contributing to the expansion of the digital human metaverse in China.
Sichuan Jiuyuan Yinhai Software Co., Ltd. (yinhai.com) is a Chengdu-based listed company specializing in digital governance and public service IT solutions, with a strong focus on “digital human social security” platforms. It has undertaken large-scale projects across more than 20 provinces, including Tibet, Fujian, and Xinjiang, to integrate AI-driven digital human services into employment management, social insurance, and public service delivery. The company has played a key role in the Tibet Digital Human Social Security Phase I project, winning the software integration contract, and has also developed platforms like Fujian’s unified digital human social security system. Beyond governance, Jiuyuan Yinhai has invested in healthcare and elderly-care innovation, launching products such as the “Wenyu” industry model and “Jiujiu+Yuanyuan” AI elderly-care service combining digital human interaction with intelligent medical support.
Sichuan Newsnet Media Group (ticker-300987.SZ), also known as Chuanwang Media, introduced its AI-powered virtual anchor “Yuan-Xiaoya” (“Meta Xiao-Ya”) in 2021. She’s now regularly deployed across platforms like Sichuan Mobile News and “Sichuan Color Screen” for news broadcasts, short videos, and interactive live events. In 2023, the company upgraded her abilities with enhanced natural language interaction.
Silkroad Visual Technology Co., Ltd. (silkroadcg.com) is a Shenzhen-based high-tech company specializing in computer graphics (CG) and digital visual services. It has made significant advancements in virtual digital human technology and provides integrated visual technology solutions across various sectors, including smart governance, cultural tourism, AR/VR, and digital twin projects. The company’s AI-powered virtual humans are used in intelligent guide systems and digital exhibitions, delivering personalized and immersive experiences. Positioned as a key player in digital creativity and smart city applications, Silkroad Visual has also invested in the development of virtual reality, AIGC (AI-generated content), and metaverse-related technologies.
The Sootoo Metaverse Research Institute (meta.sootoo.com) is a Chinese platform focused on researching, reporting, and promoting developments in the metaverse, virtual humans, AI, digital collectibles, and Web3 technologies. It provides industry reports, hosts conferences such as MetaUp and the Damo Awards, and collaborates with companies like Baidu, Tencent, OPPO, and Alibaba. The site features in-depth coverage of topics including large AI models, VR/AR, virtual humans, digital twins, AIGC (AI-generated content), and blockchain applications. It also runs open collaboration programs like the “? Plan” for co-developing virtual human IPs and promotes digital art platforms such as Yuan Art List. Positioned as both a research institute and media outlet, it aims to facilitate the healthy growth of China’s digital economy and metaverse industries by acting as a hub for thought leadership, strategic partnerships, and public engagement in emerging technologies.
SoulShell is a Beijing-based Chinese technology company specializing in foundational infrastructure for digital humans. Founded in 2021, it offers full-stack solutions for the creation and real-time operation of AI-powered digital humans. The company has developed proprietary technologies including light field capture systems to reduce the cost of digital human assets, a large-scale facial database tailored for Asian demographics to enhance algorithmic training, and a real-time AI-driven engine based on large models to support natural interaction. SoulShell is privately held with seed funding and is positioned as a leading provider of core digital human technologies for commercial and creative applications. Its clients include companies seeking advanced tools for virtual human production, livestreaming, and AIGC (AI-generated content) platforms.
StarHeir Technology, founded in March 2021 and backed by investors including NetEase, specializes in developing ultra-realistic virtual humans and digital fashion assets. The company has crafted a range of photorealistic digital avatars—such as Reddi, Vince, Vila, and Nami—and collaborates with major fashion and lifestyle brands like Gucci, Max-Mara, Air Jordan, and L’Oréal to produce digital shows, music projects, and virtual clothing. While they share updates through outlets like 36Kr, Forbes China, and Sina, StarHeir does not appear to maintain a standalone public website.
StaringAI (staringai.com) is a China-based AI content marketing and assistant platform that enables users to generate high-quality content across multiple formats—articles, notes, images, videos, and digital humans—through a single interface. It offers AI-powered tools for writing, dialogue, painting, short video script creation, marketing copy, and social media content optimization for platforms like Xiaohongshu, Douyin, and public WeChat accounts. The service also includes customizable AI assistants for roles such as customer service, teaching, photography, and copywriting, along with specialized assistants for niche scenarios like tourism, food reviews, or startup advice. StaringAI supports integration with models such as ChatGLM and Stable Diffusion, provides enterprise solutions including APIs and low-code website/H5 page building, and offers AI customer service systems with knowledge base customization.
Zhijuxinlian (jupiter-semi.com), a Suzhou-based startup founded in 2021, launched its first consumer-facing digital human prototype in late 2023. The system uses multi-camera capture and real-time 2D-to-3D conversion to display lifelike avatars on naked-eye 3D screens. In July 2025, the company completed a Pre-A funding round to accelerate R&D and production, signaling its intent to commercialize immersive digital human display technology.