The Dream Factory of China

Source :Shenzhen Daily

The second phase of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub (E-hub) was officially put into operation Dec. 7. A total of 36 companies — four incubators and 32 startups — have moved into the hub that same day.

The second phase of the E-hub covers a floor area of 19,500 square meters, including 15,000 square meters of office space. In addition, the hub has also prepared a 535-square-meter commercial space to accommodate coffee shop, fast dinning and self-service stores.

The GBA Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center is among the four incubators that have moved into the building. According to Chen Runfu, deputy general manager of the center, they have about 2,000 square meters of office space, providing incubation service for Hong Kong startups only.

“Currently, our center is incubating 30 startups from Hong Kong. The expanded space makes it possible for us to serve more Hong Kong entrepreneurs and we wish to build this incubator in Qianhai a demonstration base.” Chen said.

Alex Au, founder and CEO of the Hong Kong startup Brickspower, said that the Qianhai authority has offered them a lot of favorable policies such as preferential office rent and low-rent housing.

“Qianhai is the best choice for us to  grow on the mainland and we hope to find suitable partners here,” Au said.

The E-hub was jointly initiated by the Authority of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and the Shenzhen Youth Federation in 2014. The hub aims to serve as the “first stop” for the development of Hong Kong, Macao and international youth on the Chinese mainland, as well as a demonstration innovation and entrepreneurship park for Hong Kong and Macao youngsters.

As of Nov. 30, a total of 468 startups have been incubated at the E-hub, including 236 from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and overseas countries. They have received a total investment of 2.3 billion yuan.