A bird's-eye view of Qingdao, East China's Shandong province at night. [Photo/VCG]

The eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province recently launched an online incubator service platform for start-ups looking for suitable office space at home amid the outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia.

The platform (http://qdincu.chuang8wang.com/wxapp) was launched by the Qingdao Technology Business Incubator Association under the guidance of the Qingdao science and technology bureau.

"At this crucial time people are urged to stay at home to keep healthy and help contain the spread of the epidemic. Incubator providers are facing investment pressure, while entrepreneurs and start-ups need suitable office space," said a local official, adding that the platform will connect the two parties.

"On the platform, entrepreneurs can find addresses, photos, facilities, service information, incubation cases, charging methods and contact information of incubation providers."

The platform classifies incubator location, space and other contents according to the requirements of the enterprises.   

Local authorities said that 33 incubators have been launched on the platform, including five in Shinan district. More incubators in the city will be listed on the platform, said local authorities.