Chongqing PhD Opens Garage-Style Startup Cafe

In a city better known for its spicy hotpot than its startup scene, one former high-energy physicist has carved out a space where entrepreneurs can work over coffee—without paying a dime for the desk. No, it’s not Silicon Valley. It’s Chongqing, and the man behind it studied string theory in Vienna before swapping equations for equity pitches.

The answer lies in a single cup: order a coffee at Chongqing’s first garage-style coffee shop, and you get a full day’s free access to open-plan workspaces, investor connections, and a built-in network of 100+ returning overseas graduates. That’s how Dr. Li Zhifeng’s “ZhiKu Coffee” works.

From String Theory to Startup Hubs

Li Zhifeng, a 30-something PhD graduate from the University of Vienna, spent five years immersed in particle physics and string theory—the same kind of brainy stuff that made The Big Bang Theory characters famous. But after returning to China in 2010, he found himself yearning for something more social. “I wanted to do something that involved more human interaction,” he says. That something turned out to be building a community from a coffee shop.

Chongqing’s First Garage-Style Startup Cafe

Two months ago, Li opened ZhiKu Coffee in Chongqing’s IT Micro Enterprise Incubator Park, officially making it the city’s first garage-themed coffee shop for entrepreneurs. Located on the third floor of the innovation base, the space features transparent glass-walled offices filled with young IT and creative professionals. The café area, nestled between zones A and B, blends the aroma of desserts with a distinctly artsy vibe. “You order a coffee, and you get the whole day’s workspace for free,” Li explains. The café also doubles as a magnet for investors scouting projects.

A Hub for 100+ Expats and Innovators

Before launching the coffee shop, Li founded Chongqing’s largest expatriate club, which now boasts over 100 members aged 25 to 40. The idea sparked in 2012 when he noticed a lack of expat gatherings in the city. “I started a group myself and found others quickly,” he recalls. By 2013, the club was hosting weekly events. On February 2, ZhiKu Coffee hosted a gathering that drew over 30 returning overseas professionals. The café attracts three main groups: expats, tech talent, and entrepreneurs.

A Coffee Shop with a Mission

ZhiKu Coffee isn’t just about caffeine. Li has already helped bring three projects into the nearby innovation park. “The demand and resources here are beyond our initial expectations,” he says. The café’s walls feature a handwritten note from real estate magnate Feng Lun: “Zhifeng: Strive for entrepreneurial strength, and grow into a national asset.” With soft jazz playing in the background, the relaxed atmosphere is designed to foster better conversations. “We welcome anyone with a patent, a startup idea, or an international background who wants to connect,” Li adds.

The Backstory of a Physicist-Turned-Entrepreneur

Born in Shanxi, Li moved to Chongqing in 1995 to study applied physics at Chongqing University, where he earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees. But in 2004, he landed a scholarship at the University of Vienna, where he spent over five years researching theoretical physics—much like the characters in The Big Bang Theory. “All you needed was a computer, a pen, and paper,” he laughs. Vienna University boasts Europe’s longest blackboard, stretching 100 meters, used for complex formulas. Li often found himself writing on it. Despite the intellectual environment, he craved a more social career path. After declining his advisor’s offer to stay in Vienna, Li returned to China, first working in film before launching his expat club and coffee shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a garage-style coffee shop?

A garage-style coffee shop, like Chongqing’s ZhiKu Coffee, is a café designed to mimic the origins of major tech companies—many of which started in garages. These spaces offer free or low-cost work environments for entrepreneurs, along with networking opportunities and often access to investors. At ZhiKu, ordering a coffee grants you a full day’s use of open-plan workspaces.

Who can use ZhiKu Coffee’s free workspace?

Anyone can walk into ZhiKu Coffee, order a coffee, and use the open-plan workspace for free for the entire day. The space is particularly popular with entrepreneurs, tech professionals, and expatriates. The café is located in Chongqing’s IT Micro Enterprise Incubator Park, making it a convenient spot for innovators.

How did Li Zhifeng create Chongqing’s expat community?

After returning to Chongqing in 2012, Li noticed a lack of expat social events. He created a group himself, which quickly grew to over 100 members aged 25 to 40. By 2013, the group was hosting weekly events. Today, it’s the largest expat community in Chongqing, and Li continues to organize gatherings at his coffee shop.

What kinds of people visit ZhiKu Coffee?

ZhiKu Coffee attracts three main types of visitors: returning overseas graduates (expats), technical professionals, and entrepreneurs. The space is designed to foster collaboration among these groups, with a focus on innovation and startup development. The café also hosts networking events and gatherings.

Has ZhiKu Coffee attracted investors?

Yes, ZhiKu Coffee has already helped bring three projects into the nearby innovation park and serves as a de facto project pipeline for investors. The café’s design encourages interaction between entrepreneurs and potential backers, making it a hub for startup activity in Chongqing.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Startup Cafes

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