1895 Startup Coffee Opens at Tianjin University

When student entrepreneurs need more than just a caffeine fix—they need mentors, funding, and real-world business support—where can they turn? At Tianjin University, the answer arrived with the official launch of 1895 Startup Coffee, the country’s first on-campus innovation hub offering end-to-end startup services from seed stage through acceleration.

1895 Startup Coffee is China’s first university-operated venture coffee with a full “seed stage–incubator–accelerator” service chain. It opened at Tianjin University with backing from the university’s Beijing alumni network, local government, and the municipal incubator ICOMOS, bringing together 100 entrepreneur mentors, angel investment funds, and a dedicated workspace for student-run ventures.

What Is 1895 Startup Coffee?

Located inside Tianjin University, 1895 Startup Coffee is a hybrid space: part café, part innovation lab, and part business accelerator. It was jointly established by the Tianjin University Beijing Alumni Association and the municipal-level ICOMOS Incubator, with strong support from Tianjin University, the Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Commission, and the Nankai District Government. More than just a coffee shop, it serves as a physical and operational base where students engage directly in startup management and innovation practice.

Who’s Behind It—and What Resources Does It Offer?

The project brought together key figures at its unveiling, including Liu Jianping, Party Secretary of Tianjin University; Feng Yaqing, Vice President; Zhao Haishan, Director of the Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Commission; and Hou Li’an, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Thirty Tianjin University alumni based in Beijing—such as Wang Guohua, founder of Shenzhou Taiyue Software—were appointed as student entrepreneurship mentors by the Tianjin Science and Technology Commission. The initiative taps into a broad network: the Beijing Alumni Association has integrated a “100 Renowned Entrepreneurs” mentor team, an angel venture fund, and an on-site incubator into the coffee space. This creates a hands-on training ground for students and a comprehensive platform offering physical space, expert guidance, and business advisory services.

How Will 1895 Startup Coffee Support Entrepreneurs?

As a multifunctional innovation hub, 1895 Startup Coffee plays several strategic roles. First, it acts as a gateway to professional investment networks, identifying high-potential projects for focused incubation and assigning mentors for one-on-one coaching. With access to capital and expert advice, the goal is to help transform ideas into viable businesses. Second, it functions as a center for technology transfer and the promotion of applied research, helping bridge the gap between academic innovation and industry application—particularly for traditional enterprises looking to upgrade through technology. The space will also host regular “entrepreneurship salons” and business simulation workshops every two weeks, featuring leading founders such as Wang Guohua (Shenzhou Taiyue), Luan Runfeng (Jinhe Software), Yang Haoyong (Ganji.com), and Feng Guoxin (Lianhe Yongdao), alongside angel investors. These events provide networking, troubleshooting, and deal-making opportunities. Additionally, the coffee collaborates with the Tianjin Youth Entrepreneurship Employment Foundation and Youth Entrepreneurship Service Center to extend practical support. Backed by distinguished alumni, it offers tailored “one-on-one mentorship” and “priority equity investment by mentors” programs, leveraging top-tier entrepreneurial and investment expertise to maximize resource connections and help founders realize their visions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is 1895 Startup Coffee located?

1895 Startup Coffee is located inside Tianjin University, making it the first university-based startup hub in China to offer full-cycle business incubation services on campus.

Who supports 1895 Startup Coffee?

The project is supported by Tianjin University, the Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Commission, the Nankai District Government, and the municipal ICOMOS Incubator. It was jointly established by the Tianjin University Beijing Alumni Association.

What kind of mentors are involved?

The initiative has engaged 100 renowned entrepreneurs as mentors, including founders of major tech companies like Shenzhou Taiyue, Jinhe Software, Ganji.com, and Lianhe Yongdao. These mentors, along with angel investors, provide guidance through regular salons and workshops.

Does 1895 Startup Coffee offer funding opportunities?

Yes, the hub aims to establish an angel investment fund and provides one-on-one mentorship with potential for mentor-led equity investment to help startups grow.

What services does the coffee offer beyond coffee?

Beyond serving coffee, 1895 Startup Coffee functions as an innovation lab and business accelerator, offering workspace, mentorship, investor networking, and technology transfer support.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Startup Fuel

For late-night brainstorming sessions at 1895 Startup Coffee, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui for its bright citrus and floral notes, or Yirgacheffe for a juicy, berry-forward cup that keeps minds sharp. Both single origins highlight the clarity and complexity that fuel creative work. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.