The East Hongqiao International Youth Innovation Center in Shanghai's Changning district is building a startup ecosystem for the artificial intelligence era, supporting one-person company, or OPC, founders who use AI tools, professional services and global resources to grow lean teams into productive businesses.
Operated by IF GEEK SPACE (IGS), the center is one of the innovation and entrepreneurship platforms under Hongqiao Haichuang Bay. With 5,800 square meters of space, more than 200 OPC workstations, shared offices, meeting rooms and project display areas, the center focuses on overseas-oriented business, life and health, technology-driven consumption and AI applications. More than 20 AI plus OPC startup teams have discussed moving in.
The center connects resources from the Shanghai Hongqiao International Central Business District and Shanghai Silicon Alley. In life and health, it offers facilities that support R&D needs in central urban areas. In an overseas-oriented business, its location near Hongqiao's talent and overseas development services helps foreign and returning entrepreneurs access procedures, offices, and business support more easily.
To reduce burdens on small teams, the center has launched a year-round service plan covering technology R&D, industrial connection, financing, branding, professional services and intellectual property. Eligible founders can receive six months of free workstations, fiscal and legal services, high-speed internet and talent apartment support.
The center is also working with OPC Global, or the One-Person Company Global Alliance, to help teams move from "using AI" to "earning through AI" by linking training with real orders, coaching and global delivery systems.
Supported by Changning's talent policies, mentors, training programs and industry events, the center aims to build an AI-era incubation model and expand cross-regional OPC cooperation.
