
AI services boom as young Chinese monetize new skills, data shows
The trend reflects a broader shift: AI is moving from something people learn about to something they use to make money.

The trend reflects a broader shift: AI is moving from something people learn about to something they use to make money.

Zhejiang’s new standard offers an early institutional framework for what many see as the emerging AI-powered “solo entrepreneur” economy.

The release came one day after Hangzhou unveiled a three-year action plan to become China’s leading hub for AI-powered one-person companies.

The standard divides OPC capabilities into three broad categories — learners, builders and creators — and nine levels, from L1 to L9.

With the new policy, Ningbo hopes to gather over 10,000 AI “super-individuals” by 2028, strengthening the city’s footprint in the emerging solo-entrepreneur economy.

The policy outlines 12 measures spanning areas such as market entry, compliance guidance, rights protection, credit support and regulatory oversight.

Provincial officials see OPCs as emblematic of a new economic unit emerging in the intelligent economy era, where AI amplifies individual productivity and lowers barriers to entrepreneurship.

Yao’s visit reflects the district’s ongoing transition from a central business district to a “Central Innovation District (CID),” as outlined in an official blueprint that came out in August last year.

The initiative is reportedly the first dedicated policy package for AI-assisted OPC development issued by a market regulator in Zhejiang province.

The initiative reflects a growing belief among Chinese policymakers that AI tools can dramatically lower the barriers to starting and scaling companies.