The construction of IBM mainframe science base in academy is not only filling the gaps in the domestic and foreign mainframe science popularization, but also a new attempt to participate in the work of science popularization for South China University of Technology (SCUT). Relying on SCUT’s rich software, hardware resources, and experiences in mainframe related research, the science base launches mainframe science popularization work for the public, especially young people in China. Advantages and characteristics of the science base are introduced; the innovative practices of science base are deeply discussed from four aspects: the content of science education, talents team, science instruments and practice methods; experience enlightenment, typical problems and the direction of improvements are also explored. All this can provide references for science popularization in mainframe and computer discipline.