SZ Next | AI voice firm safeguards data privacy AI

Chen Siqi

Editor’s note

As Shenzhen firms increasingly look beyond domestic markets, their journeys offer valuable lessons in strategy, resilience, and global competitiveness. Our new column, “Shenzhen Next,” will explore these international ventures.

We will feature conversations with CEOs and senior executives from prominent Shenzhen companies and delve into their experiences — from early entrepreneurial challenges and key turning points to their philosophies, product strengths, and concrete plans for international expansion. We believe these stories offer compelling insights into the dynamics of global business from a Shenzhen perspective.

When every voice command risks exposing your privacy in the digital era, how can security be ensured?

Shenzhen Raisound Technology Co., a Shenzhen-based AI voice interaction technology company, provides innovative solutions to this challenge.

The company’s on-device voice interaction technology redefines security through end-to-end local data processing, delivering instant response and internet-independent reliability across applications ranging from health care and wearables to smart cockpits and confidential meetings.

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Founded in 2008 in Shenzhen, the company specializes in on-device voice technology and large language models (LLMs), offering intelligent interaction solutions through integrated hardware and software systems.

An array of honors and certificates are displayed at the company’s exhibition hall in Next Park in Meilin, Futian District in March. Xu Shuntian

Recognized as a nationally accredited “little giant” enterprise — a title honoring specialized, sophisticated innovators — Raisound holds over 300 intellectual property rights and has received China’s prestigious Wu Wenjun Artificial Intelligence Award, China’s highest award for AI science & technology.

From startup to industry leader

When Raisound was launched in 2008, AI voice technology was immature, and few companies had successfully commercialized AI products. Undeterred, co-founder Liu Yi and his partners pursued voice interaction research and development (R&D) to innovate and explore market opportunities.

“Shenzhen is one of the world’s leading cities for [IT technology]. So, this is one of the most important reasons for us to choose Shenzhen for settling the company,” explained Huang Shilei, Raisound’s vice president and CTO.

Chen Lin (R), deputy general manager of Raisound, demonstrates to Luigi Gambardella, president of ChinaEU, the application of the company’s on-device voice interaction technology at the company’s exhibition hall. Xu Shuntian

Technological breakthroughs

Algorithm engineer Liao Chen outlined Raisound’s five core audio technologies, which are all related to audio processes, including automatic speech-to-text, text-to-speech, speaker dualization that can differentiate between speakers, voice cloning to create natural-sounding synthetic voices, and machine translation to handle multiple languages.

An audio guide robot powered by Raisound technology is displayed at the company’s exhibition hall. Xu Shuntian

Liao also pointed out that one of the most outstanding parts of Raisound’s technology is that it can provide customers with a high level of data security and privacy.

“All processing occurs on-device, eliminating cloud dependencies and privacy risks,” Liao explained. The modular design enables fully offline operation, with optional cloud features requiring explicit user consent. “This allows sensitive industries to leverage advanced technology without compromising security.”

A collection of plush toys embedded with Raisound’s AI solutions. Xu Shuntian

Global expansion

Regarding international expansion, deputy general manager Chen Lin stated, “We balance R&D with global growth.” Raisound has successfully made forays into Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets by adapting to regional needs — luxury smart home systems for the former and cost-effective solutions for the latter.

The European market presents significant potential given its stringent data privacy requirements, a situation that plays to Raisound’s strengths. The company’s technology is particularly well-suited to address the privacy concerns of European consumers and businesses, giving it a competitive advantage in gaining market recognition and trust.

“If Raisound expands into the European market, we would prioritize partnerships with automobile manufacturers and smart home brands,” said Chen.

Chen Lin (2nd L), deputy general manager of Raisound, introduces a toy rabbit equipped with Raisound’s AI voice system to Luigi Gambardella, president of ChinaEU. Lin Jianping

Luigi Gambardella, president of ChinaEU, said after the interview that Shenzhen is globally recognized as a high-tech innovation hub. While people often associate the city with big players like Tencent and Huawei, the reality is that Shenzhen is also home to many highly innovative companies with tremendous potential, and Raisound is one of them.