Key facts
- Wei Siyuan, 19, is the CEO of a drone and AI equipment startup.
- He earned startup capital by working part-time jobs.
- He donated $15,000 to his former school for a sanitation worker rest area.
- His company's products are exported internationally.
- Wei Siyuan prioritizes product quality and employee earnings over advertising.
Wei Siyuan, a 19-year-old student from Shenzhen, China, has gained attention for simultaneously leading a technology startup that develops drones and AI-powered equipment while pursuing his university education. Nicknamed the 'school uniform CEO,' Wei started his company with friends from junior secondary school, funding its early stages with money earned from part-time jobs such as waiting tables and delivering food. His company has successfully developed and exported its products internationally, with orders reaching overseas markets. Wei has also demonstrated a philanthropic spirit, donating 100,000 yuan (approximately US$15,000) to his former school to construct a smart rest area for sanitation workers. He has reportedly declined numerous advertising and live-streaming offers, choosing instead to focus on product quality and ensuring his employees can earn more, even postponing company events to allow for this. Wei's entrepreneurial journey began with a childhood fascination for dismantling electronics and a formative experience in robotics competitions, culminating in his current venture which aims to make drones as accessible as mobile phones. He draws inspiration from figures like Qian Xuesen and Xiaomi founder Lei Jun, aspiring to build a company that uses technology to benefit society.