Gleaming sky-scrapers are home for many large businesses. But for startups shooting for the sky, these towers are often financially out of reach. A group of entrepreneurs from Dalian think they’ve found a solution.

The majority of startup entrepreneurs often find themselves struggling to find a place to get going, and one of the most common causes of failure among startups is a lack of capital. This is where the idea of a "maker-space" - converted from abandoned shipping containers - comes in.

”We provide young entrepreneurs 15 SQ meters/20 SQ meters space, at the cost of only 40 percent of the average rent in the same area. To them it is very attractive," said Dave, the founder of project.

A 20 foot container occupies the equivalent of one parking spot. It’s plenty of space for start-ups with low headcounts. And the most crucial part of the project is getting administrative approval. Local administration has been supportive according to Dave.

The project’s co-founder, who also teaches at a local university, wants the concept to catch on inside campuses since he believes that brain-drain is sapping northeast China’s competitiveness, and many of the most talented young minds are leaving the region. So by offering them affordable start-up facilities like container offices, people may choose to stay.