Chaihuo Maker Space Global Call｜“Maker Residency” Program
Where do most digital nomads go?
Bali.
Low living costs, lush nature, and a comfy work-life balance.
A paradise for remote workers.
But if you’re a maker, where’s your Bali?
For many, the answer is clear:
Shenzhen.
A city where nothing is impossible.
There’s nothing impossible in Shenzhen. Some may still associate Shenzhen with “copycat culture.” But in just 40 years, this fishing village has transformed into a world-class innovation engine, an open lab where ideas become prototypes, and prototypes become products.
It’s fast, fearless, and made for makers like you.
If you want to dive into tech and the real China hardware scene, dream of a space where people prototype till midnight and grow together, have ideas and skills, and want to turn them into something real, want your project to take off, get noticed, and make an impact…
Then, Shenzhen is the place for you.
Here, you can co-create with China and innovate with Shenzhen.
Why Shenzhen?
Because this is the city where an idea can go from sketch to product in 24 hours.
🚀 1. China’s Tech Confidence
Shenzhen is where “Made in China” becomes “Invented in China.” From 5G and AI to smart manufacturing and quantum computing, Shenzhen leads the way. With thousands of national-level high-tech enterprises, Shenzhen offers the infrastructure and ambition to back your dreams.
🛠 2. World’s Best Supply Chain
PCBs in 24 hours. CNC, injection molding, and packaging — all within a 1-hour drive. Need sensors? Cases? Testing services? Just drop a message in a WeChat group. In Shenzhen, ideas don’t just move fast, they get done fast.
🤖 3. Home of AI Hardware
Shenzhen is one of the most vibrant hardware hubs on the planet. With a dense ecosystem of engineers, factories, and innovators, it’s the ultimate playground for hardware hackers and startup builders alike.
🙌 4. DIY > Résumé
Shenzhen doesn’t care about your background — only your output. Backpackers with Arduino hacks? Welcome. Engineers assembling robots from scratch? You’re in the right place.
In Shenzhen, “once you arrive, you belong.”
Why Chaihuo Maker Space?
Founded in 2011 as a subsidiary of Seeed Studio, it is also a front-line force for innovation in Shenzhen. We’re not just a space, we’re a community, a platform, and a springboard for global makers.
We have 14+ years in deep tech, 50,000+ members across 100+ countries, and hundreds of projects incubated.
We believe in technology and in the people who love it. No matter where you’re from, if you’re a maker with a passion for innovation, we’re here to support you with space, tools, guidance, and a community that gets it.
Introducing the Maker Residency
A program designed for global makers to live, create, and collaborate in Shenzhen — the heart of China’s hardware innovation.
We’re not offering a tourist-style visit. This is a hands-on, immersive innovation journey.
Here’s what you get:
🌱 Community Access & Tech Exchange
Connect with Chaihuo’s extensive network: Seeed Studio, AIRS, Tencent, Shenzhen Tech Institute, local universities, and more. Participate in cross-disciplinary tech meetups and directly align your ideas with real-world needs.
🧑🔬 Full Membership Benefits
Access to an independent workspace, advanced equipment, material subsidies, and 1-on-1 mentorship from Shenzhen’s leading industry experts. From idea to prototype to small-batch production, we’ve got your back.
🔧 Hardware Support
Free use Seeed Studio’s AI development kits and digital fabrication tools. You’ll also get technical guidance from Seeed’s product teams.
🔄 Supply Chain Booster
Get a ¥10,000 “Supply Chain Starter Pack,” including:
• 5 hours of expert consulting
• Factory visits and networking
• Help bridge the gap from prototype to production
🌍 Exposure & Resources
Priority access to the Maker Faire Shenzhen
Opportunities to pitch to investors
Features on Chaihuo’s media platforms
Program Details
Residency Locations:
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Shenzhen, Guangdong provience, China
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Chengdu, Sichuan provience, China
Duration: 1–3 months (extendable up to 6 months)
We are open to Hardware developers, Software engineers, Cross-disciplinary artists, Social innovators, etc.
We prefer you focus areas like AIoT, robotics, green tech, smart cities, digital heritage, and beyond.
Application Steps:
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Submit a project proposal (in English or Chinese)
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Online interview & evaluation
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Receive official invitation & visa support
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Begin your residency!
Shenzhen: The Silicon Valley of Hardware
From fishing village to global innovation powerhouse,
Shenzhen is where DJI, Tencent, and Huawei all began.
Now it’s your turn.
Bring your ideas.
Build your future.
Define what’s next.
Join the Maker Residency Program
And make it happen — in Shenzhen.
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