SHANGHAI: Across China, a novel business model is rapidly emerging that removes headwinds for young entrepreneurs.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has facilitated the rise of registered one-person companies (OPCs), essentially allowing individuals to be the business themselves.
Generative tools have made it easier than ever to launch a startup, and incubators are already seeing development potential.
According to a recent report by the Zhongguancun Talent Association in Beijing, metropolises such as the capital, Shanghai and Shenzhen have increasingly become the top destinations for OPCs, particularly for their science and technology parks.
Government support, a growing talent pool, and the popularisation of AI are among the factors attracting one-person companies and helping them grow.
In Beijing’s Haidian district, ZGC AI North Latitude Hub, an AI industry community, is taking shape with the vision of building the world’s top AI ecosystem.
Dong Bo, president of Kr Star Innovation, which operates the incubator, said the hub works closely with nearby universities to help graduates transition smoothly into the job market.
“The hub’s resources and connections make it an ideal ecosystem for OPCs and scaling enterprises to develop their business models,” he said.
To empower them at various stages, the hub helps with company registration and legal consultation.
Additionally, it organises salons, industry exchanges and technology-matching events with leading tech firms.
Training courses on AI tool applications are open to internal and external participants, while regular events are held to bring businesses and investment institutions together. At present, over 20 OPCs reside in the hub.
According to the Zhongguancun Talent Association report, the number of one-person limited liability companies in China, primarily in the digital economy and service industries, exceeded 16 million nationwide as of June 2025. — China Daily/ANN
