A city-policy guide for solo founders evaluating Chongqing.
CQUPT and CQU provide competent foundational IT talent, but high-end AI R&D talent such as for large model training/inference optimization still needs to be recruited from Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. If your OPC is at the AI application layer (calling APIs rather than training models), local talent is fully sufficient.
Chongqing is the top-ranked 'furnace city' in China — July-August sees sustained 40°C+ temperatures. Office spaces must have strong air conditioning. Some entrepreneurs choose to work from nearby mountain areas during summer.
Free desks for up to 3 years, computing subsidies, and other policies have clear time windows and renewal review conditions. Plan your budget before policies expire — do not assume they will remain free forever.
Chongqing's 'magical 3D terrain' means actual commute times between two points can differ by 2-3x compared to map estimates. When choosing living and office locations, always physically walk the route rather than relying on maps. Light rail commuting is far more efficient than buses.
