Cafe-themed workshops and studios for innovation-minded geeks

Studios and workshops with a cafe theme, for technological innovations and applications, have been popping up all over Northeast China in recent years, giving young people a place to talk and seek opportunities, according to a Xinhua report of July 29, which notes that this is the provinces’ answer to China's insistence that innovation is badly needed to improve the economy.

Sci-tech enthusiast examines a 3D printer at Baidu Pioneer Park in Changchun, Jilin, July 30. [Photo/Xinhua]

3D-printed models are on display at Baidu Pioneer Park, in Changchun, Jilin province, on July 30. [Photo/Xinhua]

Sci-tech enthusiast checks a 3D printer at Baidu Pioneer Park. [Photo/Xinhua]

A man gets help trying on a wearable virtual reality headset. [Photo/Xinhua]

The studios and workshops usually have a chat area where young groups or couples can sit around a table or on a sofa and talk over coffee, or as Liu Chunsheng, the manager of the Baidu Pioneer Park in the city of Changchun, Jilin province, puts it, "We provide a place for cooperation between innovators and entrepreneurs."

In addition to these spontaneous meetings, Liu says they are organizing activities regularly and, by the end of last year, Baidu Pioneer had held 15 of them, along with 57 successful projects.

The chatting and workshop area of the Park has an exhibit area next to it, with parts and unfinished goods on display, where Niu Guanchong, a former university student, is moving a robot that he made it back at school. After graduating, he decided that he wanted to start his own business and the financial help the Park could provide made him decide to come here.

In addition to providing cooperation opportunities, the studios also provide professional training and information on policies.