Hangzhou hikvision digital technology co., ltd., often shortened to hikvision, is a chinese, partially state-owned, manufacturer and supplier of video surveillance equipment for civilian and military purposes, headquartered in hangzhou, zhejiang. Its controlling shares are owned by the chinese government. Due to its involvement in alleged human rights violation and national security concerns, the company has been placed under sanctions from the u.S. Government and is prevented from receiving u.S. Government contracts. Hikvision was founded in 2001 by zhejiang hik information technology co., ltd. With the company having a 51% stake and gong hongjia a 13.4% stake. Hikvision is an iot solution provider with video surveillance market as its core competency. It devotes 8% of its annual revenue to research and development with 40,403 employees.