One-person companies gain traction in China with AI tools

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to the rise of a new type of startup: the one-person company (OPC). With the help of efficient AI tools, an individual or a small team can turn their ideas into reality, creating innovative products and generating profits.

This innovative model has gained widespread support across the country, with municipalities like Beijing and Shanghai, and provinces such as Jiangsu and Guangdong rolling out plans and developing specialized parks for OPCs.

In July 2025, the Zhongguancun AI North Latitude Hub, located in Haidian district, Beijing, launched the first phase of its 60,000-square-meter innovation space for businesses, offering services such as office areas, early-stage incubation, and matchmaking opportunities for enterprises.

Photo shows a shared workspace at the Zhongguancun AI North Latitude Hub in Haidian district, Beijing. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Li Zhen)

Later that year, in December, the hub launched a new initiative to support OPCs.

Li Tao, CEO of Beijing Time Cocoon Education Technology Co., Ltd., moved to the hub in September 2025. The company's product went from concept to market in just two months.

"Traditionally, starting a company meant assembling a team and securing significant funding, which was a high barrier," Li explained. "With AI tools, a single person can create high-quality products — provided they have the right skills and can deliver solutions that meet users' needs."

With the help of AI, Li gathered data on numerous overseas universities and eventually developed an AI-powered school finder. By entering their scores, desired majors, and preferred countries, students can receive a list of five schools that best match their profiles.

"OPCs looking to join the hub must develop products using AI and manage operations across the entire chain. In addition, the startup should be run by either an individual or a small team," said Dong Bo, a representative of the hub's operator and chairman of Kr Star Innovation, a renowned domestic technology innovation service platform under 36Kr Holdings Inc.

Photo shows an office for a one-person company at the Zhongguancun AI North Latitude Hub in Haidian district, Beijing. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Li Zhen)

Dong has observed that OPCs at the hub showcase AI's potential across multiple industries. The startup teams have developed AI-driven products spanning education, health care, security, and law.

Tang Meng, founder of Mystbio, was driven by an ambition to launch a company specializing in precision medicine for cancer treatment.

"Our products leverage population genetic data and patients' medication histories, using AI algorithms to predict side effects of immunotherapy for cancer patients. This is an area that has previously been overlooked in clinical practice in China," said Tang.

Tang believes that for entrepreneurs in the OPC field, it's essential to stay highly attuned to industry trends.

"We've established a close partnership with the National Cancer Center to build valuable data assets. So far, we've gathered case data from over 5,000 cancer patients, resulting in more than a million follow-up records," said Tang.

Tang Meng, founder of Mystbio, presents product data. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Li Zhen)

Why do entrepreneurs choose to work in public spaces like the Zhongguancun AI North Latitude Hub?

Dong explained that the hub offers an 800-square-meter shared workspace with meeting rooms, a kitchenette, and a dining area.

"Entrepreneurs who come here can connect with like-minded individuals for collaboration while also experiencing a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere," he said.

The hub also provides extensive support for entrepreneurs, including services like business registration and assistance with policy applications. It organizes events to bring together investors, financial institutions, and other key resources, and hosts seminars where experts discuss industry policies and the latest technological developments.

Photo shows the exterior of the Zhongguancun AI North Latitude Hub in Haidian district, Beijing. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)