After sending off Wu Dongyi, Chen Cheng dialed Wen Shulin’s phone.
"Hmm?"
Chen Cheng stood by the window, "Well, I t the people from Chuang Neng."
"How is it?"
"It’s alright, quite standard." Chen Cheng paused, "However, I am actually quite interested in New Energy Power."
Wen Shulin asked, "I haven’t even contacted them for you yet, how co you’re interested?"
Chen Cheng recounted all the reasons and asked, "So this Professor Zhang Qiming, how much do you know about him?"
Wen Shulin pondered for a mont, "Zhang Qiming, a titan in the field of material science, has conducted extensive research in the area of Niobate Battery and has won nurous national awards. He tends to keep a low profile and is entirely focused on research. What’s up, do you have questions about him?"
"I’m a bit curious, how did he end up joining a startup company like New Energy Power? Given his credentials and achievents, he should have plenty of better options." Chen Cheng voiced his doubts.
Wen Shulin chuckled lightly, "This is sothing you might not know, Zhang Qiming has always wanted to comrcialize his research results, but has struggled to find a suitable platform.
The CEO of New Energy Power, Li Mingyuan, previously worked at EP Power, has a deep understanding of the new energy industry, and possesses strong business acun.
He painted a beautiful vision for Zhang Qiming, promising ample funding and resources to support his research, which moved Zhang Qiming."
Chen Cheng nodded slightly, sowhat agreeing with Wen Shulin’s explanation, but feeling that there might still be so undisclosed hidden stories.
"From what you say, Li Mingyuan indeed has foresight and determination. But New Energy Power currently raised 780 million, selling 20% of shares, this valuation in startups isn’t low, do you think this price is reasonable?"
Wen Shulin was silent for a few seconds on the other side of the phone, "In terms of technical potential, once Niobate Battery is comrcially scaled, its prospects are limitless, so the valuation isn’t completely unfounded.
However, as you learned, they are facing many challenges at the mont, such as technology conversion, market promotion, and raw material supply issues that need to be resolved. If these issues aren’t properly handled, the valuation might seem a bit high."
Chen Cheng thought again, "By the way, I heard that New Energy Power previously applied for a governnt subsidy related to the developnt of the new energy industry but didn’t get approved, the amount is around tens of millions, do you know the reason behind this?"
Wen Shulin was silent even longer this ti, "This matter is actually quite complex. From what I know, the subsidy New Energy Power applied for was originally very likely to be approved. Their technological capabilities and project prospects are quite outstanding among many applicants."
"So what changed later?"
The problem arose in a critical docunt."
Wen Shulin sighed, "When New Energy Power submitted the application materials, there was a dispute regarding a proof docunt about the ownership of technical patents. Although they have consistently claid that the technology patents are fully owned by the company, other parties have raised objections, claiming that so core technologies have unclear ownership."
Chen Cheng frowned, "So is the core technology actually New Energy’s?"
"That’s precisely where the problem lies."
Wen Shulin’s tone conveyed a bit of helplessness, "From what I understand, so of New Energy Power’s core technology originates from Professor Zhang Qiming’s early research results, while another part was independently developed by the company after he joined. The party raising the objection is the research institution where Professor Zhang Qiming previously worked."
Chen Cheng imdiately understood the crux of the issue. "So, the institution where Professor Zhang previously worked believes that so of the technology used by New Energy Power actually belongs to them?"
"That’s one way to put it."
Wen Shulin said, "Although Professor Zhang has joined New Energy Power, the issue of intellectual property rights regarding his previous research results at the research institution might not have been fully clarified. This has led to disputes over the ownership of technology patents when applying for governnt subsidies."
"Did New Energy Power and the institution where Professor Zhang previously worked have communication and negotiation over this issue?" Chen Cheng pursued.
"Of course."
Wen Shulin said, "Both parties have communicated multiple tis but have not reached an agreent. The research institution insists that part of the core technology used by New Energy Power should have shared intellectual property rights and demands corresponding economic compensation. On the other hand, New Energy Power believes these technologies have undergone independent developnt and improvent by the company and fully belong to the company."
"So, because of this dispute, the governnt departnt did not approve New Energy Power’s subsidy application?" Chen Cheng asked.
"That’s exactly right."
Wen Shulin continued, "To avoid entanglent in intellectual property disputes, the review committee ultimately decided to postpone approving New Energy Power’s subsidy application until they can provide clear proof docunts regarding patent ownership."
Chen Cheng pondered for a mont, thoroughly understanding the stakes involved.
He thought again, "So besides money, is this the reason why you are observing New Energy Power this ti?"
"Yes, patent ownership is like a ticking ti bomb, potentially causing significant trouble for New Energy Power at any ti." Wen Shulin admitted, "If they end up in legal proceedings later, it will be a big problem not only for New Energy Power but also for HCG."
"In addition, with the niobium ore now unavailable, I am sowhat hesitant." She continued, "However, I do have confidence in this technology."
Chen Cheng nodded, "Then I want to et with this Professor Zhang, can you help arrange it?"
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