Czur smartens office hardware

An innovative book scanner made by Chinese company Czur is bringing convenience to its users in more than 130 countries and regions around the world.

"The annual sales volume is expected to double that of 2017," said Zhou Kang, 32, founder and general manager of Dalian Czur Tech Co Ltd.

He said the company is focusing on expansion in countries such as Germany, Italy and India where Czur has accumulated sizable number of online customers.

Zhou firmly believes that as long as the product accurately meets the needs of users and offers the ultimate user experience, the made-in-China smart office equipment can break the long-term monopoly of international brands in the segment.

Foreign brands dominate the market of digital products and other high consumables office equipment, according to a report on China's office supplies industry released in 2017 by China Industry Research.

With patented technologies, Czur's smart scanner makes book scanning "as easy as turning a page". It can scan a 300-page book in seven minutes.

Currently, they are widely utilized in fields like public security departments, financial enterprises, and educational institutions.

Czur is the abbreviation of "Continue zeal until real". Founded in 2013, the company located in Dalian High-tech Industrial Zone focuses on smart hardware solutions for enterprises and individuals.

During the 2015 Summer Davos, Premier Li Keqiang witnessed Zhou receiving the funding for young "makers" at the high-tech zone.

Zhou said he will always remember the premier's encouragement.

In his Government Work Report delivered on March 5, the premier said in the past five years, business startups and innovation are thriving all over the country and the average number of new businesses opened daily has risen from over 5,000 to 16,000.

According to the report, in the global race of scientific and technological innovation, China has shifted place, from following others to keep pace and even lead the pack in more and more areas.

China has become a globally recognized fertile ground for innovation and business ventures, said the report.

Government institutions at various levels as well as business incubators are giving support to the young entrepreneurs around the country.

Zhou is one such entrepreneur. He received an angel investment of 1 million yuan ($158,075) from Dalian Venture Workshop, which is also based in Dalian High-tech Zone.

"We were investing in Zhou Kang for his sincerity and potentiality," said Hu Jianfeng, president of Venture Workshop.

"Besides, Zhou's concept combines well the innovation and market need. There is huge potential for smart office equipment," he said.

Hu's Venture Workshop is a state-level incubator for scientific technological enterprises.

By the end of 2017, it had incubated about 200 companies and helped them raise financial capital of 360 million yuan.

"Most companies doing office equipment have poor awareness of innovation. This is our opportunity. Czur can grow into a leader in intelligent hardware products for office supplies," said Hu.