Changzhou launches mass digital literacy push

Catalyzing startups

For 37-year-old Zhang Peng, the night school provided the missing piece for his startup. With years of experience in enterprise software, Zhang wanted to build AI-integrated management tools for small manufacturers but was held back by development costs.

After joining the first night school session, a case study on an AI legal assistant showed him how large language models could handle repetitive coding and logical reasoning.

"It reminded me that I don't need to build massive, complex platforms," Zhang said. "Focusing on niche scenarios allows one person to do the work of a team and rapidly deliver low-cost minimum viable products."

The night schools are doubling as networking hubs. Post-class discussion groups have coalesced into the Changzhou AI Club, a co-creation community of nearly 400 local developers and practitioners. The group hosts regular salons for technical exchange and business matchmaking.

Zang Tengfei, head of the community, said that the real value lies in changing mindsets. "Many people treat AI as just an advanced search engine, but it can run entire workflows," Zang said. "While most training focuses on how to operate AI, what entrepreneurs need most is learning how to monetize it through sustainable, paid scenarios."

He said more than a dozen of the community members attended the first session together. He was impressed by the practical cases of entrepreneurs, which reshaped his understanding of AI's application boundaries.

Zang said the greatest benefit of the AI courses for entrepreneurs is breaking fixed mindsets.

"Different entrepreneurs focus on different things with some on technology, others on customer acquisition. Diverse cases offer far more insight than just learning tool operations," he said.