The Westlake Science Cafe is a collaboration between government and local enterprises. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_d3ac4db97652]

Inspired by Silicon Valley's famed Coupa Cafe, an innovation hub blending government support with market-driven operation has opened in Hangzhou's Xihu district, local media outlets reported.

The Westlake Science Cafe, located in the Chengyuan community on Chongxin Road near Zhejiang University, aims to bring together scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.

Developed under the guidance of local authorities and operated by Hangzhou Maxwell Equation Technology Co, the cafe functions as a platform for technological innovation. During its six-month trial operation period, it attracted nine tech startups specializing in fields such as artificial intelligence and new materials.

Spanning 600 square meters over two floors, the cafe integrates a relaxed social setting with professional innovation services. The first floor hosts informal exchanges, where academics and entrepreneurs can meet over coffee, while the second floor provides incubation space for early-stage companies. Regular events — including talent networking, industry–university collaboration, and financial matchmaking — have drawn more than 100 PhD-level professionals.

Entrepreneurs credit the cafe's proximity to Zhejiang University and Hangzhou's robust industrial ecosystem as key advantages.

With over 120,000 business entities in Xihu district, many in emerging sectors like AI, life sciences, and commercial aerospace, local authorities aim to turn the cafe into a place where startups can grow from ideas to scalable enterprises, reinforcing Hangzhou's reputation as a dynamic innovation powerhouse.

Ma Rui, a postdoctoral from the University of Cambridge, brews a cup of coffee. [Photo/Tide News]

Business starters attend a sharing session. [Photo/Tide News]