A specialty coffee shop named 3 Coffee is transforming the entrepreneurial landscape in Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone (Optics Valley of China, or OVC). Far from being just a hangout for coffee enthusiasts, this unique establishment features a bustling co-working space with nearly 300 workstations, fostering innovation and collaboration.

OVC works to enhance its business environment. 

Established five years ago, 3 Coffee boasts a membership of over 8,000, with more than 120 businesses having been incubated and launched from its premises. At its peak, the shop saw over 40 companies register in one year.

Entrepreneurs can rent a workstation for a monthly fee of 499 yuan ($73), which includes access to shared amenities like a tearoom and presentation hall, along with a complimentary daily cup of coffee.

Song Pengqing, who returned to Wuhan to start his business, registered Huikaidian Technology (Wuhan) Co at 3 Coffee. His company specializes in building digital platforms such as mini-program malls and websites for small and medium enterprises.

OVC works to enhance its business environment. 

"At first, everyone is a stranger, but over a cup of coffee, strangers can become friends or even clients," said Song. He finds the relaxed atmosphere of the coffee shop more conducive to creativity than a traditional office setting.

Since its inception in 2021, many startups like Song's have expanded beyond the coffee shop's walls. According to Zhang Yongkang, head of 3 Coffee, a team that developed AI broadcasting technology has moved to a larger office on Optics Valley Avenue and opened branches in Shenzhen and other cities.

This year, the co-working space plans to focus on incubating projects related to brain-computer interfacing and developing an OPC (One Person Company) community, helping entrepreneurs break into the OPC sector more quickly and cost-effectively.

Editor：Zhilan Hu