Benchmark readers have again chosen Hikvision as Innovator Company of the Year, highlighting the manufacturer’s continued influence in shaping intelligent security technology. This year’s recognition reflects not just Hikvision’s ongoing work in AIoT and analytics, but also its broader focus on sustainable engineering and responsible AI – a mix that is helping to push the industry forward.
Over the past year, Benchmark has closely followed Hikvision’s new developments. The launch of Turbo HD 8.0, which combines audio and video for better situational awareness, and the next-generation Guanlan Large-Scale AI Models are just some examples that illustrate how Hikvision is rethinking perimeter protection and intelligent detection. Instead of incremental upgrades, these advances show a clear plan for using AI effectively and with purpose in real security environments.
Intelligent AI for Real-World Challenges
The company’s Guanlan Large-Scale AI Models have become key to Hikvision’s AIoT strategy. Built for security applications, Guanlan enables more accurate event detection and response, cutting false alarms by up to 90% in perimeter protection scenarios. This gives both installers and users the ability to focus on the threats and activity that really matter.
At the core of Guanlan is a focus on secure and responsible development. Unlike many AI models that need a cloud connection, Hikvision’s latest flagship AI-powered products and solutions can operate fully within the user’s network, keeping information local and protected.
“Our AI is self-contained and designed for the security industry,” explained Justin Hollis of Hikvision UK & Ireland. “We made a conscious decision to ensure full data security for our users. The technology doesn’t depend on external connections or shared datasets – results are delivered right at the edge.”
This approach reflects a wider principle in Hikvision’s thinking: technology should serve security, not create new risks. Features such as AcuSeek – a smart video search tool that allows operators to find footage quickly through natural language text – help reduce the time and cost of manual reviews while improving accuracy and safety. With Guanlan-enhanced cameras, perimeter protection is more reliable, even in challenging settings.
Hikvision’s commitment to responsible AI has also won wider attention. The company was among the first in its sector to achieve ISO 42001 certification, underlining a structured approach to fairness, transparency, and accountability. Hollis added, “True innovation is about both what technology can do and how responsibly it’s applied. ISO 42001 reflects our effort to ensure that AI meets the highest ethical standards as well as delivering practical value to customers.”
Sustainability in Practice
Hikvision’s win as Innovator Company of the Year is also thanks to its drive to combine strong security with environmental responsibility. Its sustainability strategy spans the full product lifecycle – from sourcing and manufacturing to logistics, packaging, and recycling – with clear reporting and measurable results.
In the last year, the company certified 18,000 MWh of renewable electricity procurement and generated 15,900 MWh of photovoltaic power at its sites. The shift to greener production methods and energy-efficient equipment has saved over 1.5 million kWh. Hikvision has assessed the carbon footprint of more than 100 product models, using these insights to drive practical improvements.
The company maximises the use of eco-friendly materials in product packaging. Using folded cardboard instead of expanded polyethene to cushion the interior of product packaging, which alone can reduce our plastic use by 27.9 tons per year.
Trade-in programmes promote recycling and lengthen material lifespans, while more than 4,400 electric vehicles are now used in logistics. Suppliers are also encouraged to adopt similar sustainable practices, multiplying the environmental benefits throughout the supply chain.
“Sustainability is a mindset that guides everything we do,” Hollis said. “From renewable energy and recycling to our work with partners and suppliers, we’re always looking for ways to reduce our impact while keeping standards high for quality and reliability.”
These changes have drawn recognition from outside bodies. Hikvision has earned the TÜV Rheinland Green Product Mark for sustainable design and substance control, and an Ecovadis Silver Medal earlier this year, placing it in the top 15% of 150,000 companies rated for sustainability globally. The company’s partnership in the United Nations Global Compact further demonstrates its stance on human rights, labour, the environment, and anti-corruption.
Innovation With Purpose
What sets Hikvision apart is the way it balances technical ambition with practical, real-world results. These innovations don’t stay in labs – they show up in the daily work of installers, system integrators, and end-users who see the benefits in fewer false alarms, faster searches, and more reliable performance. With energy-efficient and ethically designed products, the company is building a smarter, more sustainable security ecosystem.
Hikvision’s innovation also extends to broader social contributions. Through its STAR Programme for Social Good, it works with non-profits to support environmental, cultural, and community projects – showing how targeted technology can make a positive difference that extends far beyond security.
Defining the Future of Security
The intersection of AIoT and sustainability is shaping a new era for security. As analytics become smarter and systems more connected, discussions about data protection, efficiency, and responsible development are moving centre stage. Benchmark’s 2025 award is a reflection of Hikvision’s leadership on these fronts, where advanced technology is coupled with a guiding philosophy that values responsibility as much as performance.
Benchmark’s professional readership, with its day-to-day experience of technology in the field, has once again recognised tangible progress. Whether it’s slashing false alarms, streamlining operations, or embedding renewables into manufacturing, Hikvision is demonstrating that lasting progress comes from a blend of intelligence, values, and creativity.
As the industry shifts towards sustainable, AI-powered infrastructure, Hikvision’s focus on innovation, ethics, and measurable outcomes sets a lasting standard. Its recognition as Innovator Company of the Year 2025 isn’t just about what’s been achieved – it’s a signpost for where intelligent security is heading next.