U.S.-based Intel announced its new round of investments of USD38 million in 12 technology innovation companies, including two from China.

The businesses of those 12 companies cover Internet of Things solutions for the elderly and the disabled; advanced audio technologies for 360-degree virtual reality systems; and human-like visual systems for smart connected cars. The two companies from China are start-ups engaged in data and connectivity sectors.

Shanghai Droi Technology is a smart city developer and service provider. The company has a BIOS technology and it focuses on application software and firmware development, system integration, and data center service. It is reportedly the only Chinese company that can provide BIOS technology between hardware and systems, and this is an important focus that has attracted Intel's investment.

Grand Chip Microelectronics is committed to providing high power, high linearity, high efficiency, broadband and highly integrated radio frequency front-end devices for wireless LAN infrastructures, wireless connections on mobile platforms, and smart Internet of Things services. Peng Ping, general manager of Grand Chip Microelectronics, said that their RF front-end devices can be used on router products of Google hub, Broadcom, and Intel as well as on Xiaomi smartphones.

Due to confidentiality reasons, Intel did not reveal financial details of its investments in the Chinese companies.