Chongqing - With the global 60-plus population set to soar from 1.1 billion in 2023 to 1.4 billion by 2030, the trillion-dollar silver economy is booming. Riding this trend, Chongqing Qing Er Technology in Liangjiang New Area is making its mark worldwide with award-winning pain-relief and sports gear designed for both protection and companionship.

Founded in 2017, Qing Er began with diverse sports and health products on Amazon before shifting its focus to the silver economy. Today, pain-relief and sports protective gear account for 80% of its total revenue, with products delivered to 38 countries.

Chongqing Qing Er Technology, located in the Zhaomushan area of Liangjiang New Area. (Photo/Chen Wensen)

The company’s strategy is to “offer what competitors can’t,” said administrative manager Peng Wanying. That ethos is embodied in its 2025 Red Dot Design Award-winning knee brace, featuring the industry’s first external, replaceable side stabilizers. The stabilizers extend product lifespan, offer three levels of support, and can be easily attached or removed using a clip-magnet system.

The major technical hurdle was identifying materials for the supporting bar that withstand stress without breaking. Qing Er engineers analyzed flaws in commonly used materials, refined compounds and structures, and experimented with multiple suppliers. The effort paid off with the product surpassing industry norms to achieve over 400,000 bend cycles.

Kirigami, another knee brace made by Qing Er Technology, has won multiple international awards, including the International Design Awards and the French Design Award. (Photo/Qing Er Technology)

Peng attributes the company’s growth to product strength and a long-term approach. “We don’t want customers to choose us just once,” she said, noting that material quality and after-sales service are designed to drive repeat purchases. The company’s vision is translating into growth, as its revenue climbed 22% this year.

Qing Er emphasizes local adaptation and a sense of companionship for users. Its products are tailored to regional body traits and usage habits, combining comfort-focused design with personalized features and everyday usability.

“A brace becomes a true companion when it is light and unobtrusive enough for daily wear like shoes or glasses, seamlessly fitting into routines, and offering not just physical support but emotional comfort as well,” said Zhang Hao, Head of Product Innovation and Design.

Qing Er’s next-generation products feature smart functions, opening new opportunities for growth and innovation. The company is building a new factory in Chongqing, equipped with advanced production lines for large-scale manufacturing.

The company sees its growth as part of a broader push to shift perceptions from “Made in China” to “Created in China.” “We hope to showcase Chinese manufacturing as advanced, intelligent, and high-quality,” Peng said.