From 2011 to 2015, China had been encouraged the foundation for youths in 'The Twelfth Five-Year Plan'. In 'The Twelfth Five-Year Plan(2016-2020)', China apparently showed its will to encourage the foundation and emphasize the innovative technology expecting the second BAT (Baidu, Alibaba, Tencent). Then, they started to found 'Foundation Towns' in eight provinces, which is called 'You+Youth Foundation Town'. There are now 20 youth+towns in the mainland China, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Fuzhou, Suzhou, and Chengdu. You+ is the place where people who dream foundation can communicate each other with a common goal: co-working, co-living, and co-networking place. They can assist one another technically and mentally in their own field. It is why You+ is called the second Silicon Valley.

▲ Sound UX, which was enrolled the first time in Zhongguancun

▲ Zhongguancun, which is called the Silicon Vally of China

There is also an application which people can share information about You+. The application offers lots of functions like information about the entry and monthly rent of a chatting program among residents. People also can check the events occurring in the towns and take part in education programs or foundation activities. Even though the monthly rent is quite expensive, which is from 1630 yuan to 2500 yuan in a month, the waiting list is always full since You+ is likely to function as connecting link among founders, accelerators, and investors. It offers a high-quality atmosphere for studying or research, and it even holds a party in holidays, targeting young people. Moreover, there are some regulations in You+. If there are conflicts with residents, the entry can be limited. There is also age restriction in You+, which is under 45.

▲ the picture of young founders of You+

You+ is the place of chance. It offers sturdy human networking like Leijun (head of Shaomi), and it is highly supported by the Chinese government. Hundreds of founders that pass through You+ is never coincidence according to Liu, who is the head of You+ Foundation Town. In South Korea, the foundation seems to make a sensation in some private fields, so it is hard to find a government to support it officially related to residents. To expand foundation volunteer system, it seems that the government and private enterprises need to cooperate with each other. You+ Foundation Towns in China could be a good example that South Korea should follow.

Apr. 22nd, by Kim Seo-young