Just got back from Shenzhen, that amazing southern Chinese city near Hong Kong that is taking the world by storm with innovative tech companies that are producing some daring new products to help get people around - like the KuangChi Martin Jetpack. It made its debut at the OCT Harbour in Shenzhenthis week and may provide cities with an innovative way to deal with their urban transportation problems.

KuangChi Science, an emerging and ambitious high-tech company listed in Hong Kong, is the largest shareholder of the Martin Aircraft, the manufacturer of the Jetpack, which is based in Christchurch, New Zealand. KuangChi Science belongs to Shenzhen-based company Kuang-Chi.

The high-profile flight mission over a lake was undertaken by Michael Read, director of Flight Operations for the Martin Aircraft and a veteran pilot. The flight lasted for more than five minutes in front of more than 2,000 people. A remote-control demonstration was also shown.

During the event, Kuang-Chi officially established its Iron Man Club, planning to attract partners all over China to operate a wide range of innovative products and services on a global scale. A joint venture of KuangChi Science and Martin Aircraft signed three framework agreements for a total of 100 manned Jetpacks and 20 simulators. The products are expected to be delivered in 2016.

The KuangChi Martin Jetpack, the world's first practical and commercial jetpack, consists of a gasoline engine driving twin ducted fans, which produce sufficient thrust to lift the aircraft and a pilot, and to enable sustained flight. It can operate close to or between buildings, near trees and in confined spaces that other aircrafts are unable to access. It is a significant operational advantage for the Jetpack to carry commercial payloads of up to 120kg with a maximum flight time of 45 minutes at a speed of up to 80kph.

Designed with safety in mind and for easy adoption, the Jetpack has a wide range of potential usage including search and rescue, military, recreational and commercial applications. The Jetpack can turn into a hovering mode once the pilot releases his hands during a flight. A parachute can be shot off within 0.68 second once the system detects a looming risk.

In addition to the Jetpack, Kuang-Chi brought a series of cutting-edge innovations on display including the Cloud mini, a balloon-like platform lifted by helium and equipped with buoyancy system. It rose to sky on the site to showcase the functions of urban surveillance.