The "Model Speed Space" has unveiled a brand-new community hub, adding another dynamic venue to the West Bund AI large-model innovation block.
Recently, Zhang Jiawei, CEO of Cool AI, an enterprise based at Model Speed Space, has been working out of the "Model Speed Third Space" on Longtai Road. He is doing so both to observe how this co-created space can be further optimized and because its relaxed, open atmosphere genuinely sparks creative inspiration.
On August 18, Model Speed Space officially opened "Model Speed Third Space 1/1 House," introducing a new tech-social venue to the West Bund AI large-model innovation block.
Within less than two years, Model Speed Space has attracted over 300 companies. As the number of businesses has grown and the ecosystem has become more vibrant, Yang Jingjing, Deputy General Manager of West Bund Group and Chairman of Shanghai Large Model Ecology Development Co., Ltd., sensed that beyond workstations and meeting rooms, there was a missing element: a space where people could sit down, engage in extended conversations, and collaboratively bring innovative ideas to life. That is how the Model Speed Third Space came to be. It is open not only to resident companies but also to every innovator and tech enthusiast. Yang Jingjing hopes that three things will happen within this space: connection, creation, and co-existence.
Walking into the Model Speed Third Space, nearly 800 square meters of area is immediately visible. "We believe a true ecosystem should have no barriers, so we have set up five interconnected zones," Yang Jingjing explained. The entire space is divided into five areas: AI Discovery, AI Inspiration, AI Collision, AI Creation, and AI Light Social. The goal is for curious visitors to leave with a community of like-minded people and an ignited idea.
Inside the AI Discovery and AI Inspiration zones, visitors can experience large models and smart hardware brought by resident companies, witnessing how AI is transforming our lives. By tapping the screens, they can also "co-create" new application scenarios with intelligent agents. Cards bearing fresh ideas such as "AI User Experience Lab" and "AI Aesthetic Education Teaching System" have already been posted on the walls, awaiting like-minded partners to leave their contact information. In the adjacent AI Creation zone, several devices are running—3D printers, laser engravers, and UV printers are turning sketches into physical objects, accelerating the realization of smart hardware.
The AI Collision zone is designated for future roadshows and thematic sharing sessions. In the AI Light Social zone, a beverage bar fills the air with the aroma of coffee, and alcoholic drinks are available in the evening. There is also an outdoor and cycling gear display area, where casual conversations might just lead to meeting the right partner.
Beyond the Model Speed Third Space, starting from Model Speed Space, complementary venues such as the "Black Tech Experience Space" and "Embodied Workshop" have already opened along Longtai Road, offering resident companies platforms for exhibition and exchange. The three major telecom operators have also established intelligent computing business outlets here, giving the tech innovation district a solid foundation.
Yang Jingjing revealed that the West Bund AI large-model innovation block is expected to take shape within this year, with more industrial facilities to follow. Examples include the Agricultural Bank of China's first "AI Branch" nationwide, and an AI-themed marriage registration point where couples can book robot-awarded certificates and experience A.I.-generated commemorative songs. These additions aim to further streamline the stages of idea incubation, prototype validation, and application deployment.
The header image shows a schematic diagram of the West Bund AI large-model innovation block.