Gyeongnam Creative Economy Innovation Center Hosts ‘Startup Night Meet-Up & Networking Day’ for Preliminary Startup Package Entrepreneurs
[News Gyeongnam – Reporter Hwang Won-Sik]
On the 17th, the Gyeongnam Creative Economy Innovation Center (Acting Director Jang Seong-Man) hosted the ‘Startup Night Meet-Up & Networking Day’ at the Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel in Changwon, with the support of Gyeongsangnam-do. The event was designed for participants of the Preliminary Startup Package program to engage in networking and idea exchange.
A Shift from Investor Pitches to Peer-Based Evaluation & Feedback
Unlike traditional investment pitch formats, this event encouraged startups to present their ideas to fellow entrepreneurs, allowing participants to view their products from a consumer perspective and provide mutual feedback. Additionally, a peer evaluation system was introduced to select outstanding startups, offering participants an opportunity to learn from and grow alongside their peers.
Awards for Outstanding Startups
- 🏆 Grand Prize (Most Outstanding Award):
- MobilityLab Inc. (CEO Cheon Il-Jun)
- Developed a swarm flight control system that significantly enhances agricultural productivity and efficiency.
- 🥈 Excellence Award:
- Decodecell Inc. (CEO Kim Se-Won)
- Microbiome profiling service utilizing body fluid exosome analysis technology.
- 🥉 Encouragement Awards:
- SmartFarmi Inc. (CEO Kwon Hae-Seong)
- A solution that maximizes the efficacy of medicinal crops.
- Homes Hill Tech (CEO Kang Ye-Jin)
- AI-powered pediatric self-care application.
MobilityLab’s CEO Expresses Gratitude for Peer Recognition
CEO Cheon Il-Jun of MobilityLab, who won the Grand Prize, shared his thoughts:
“Receiving the top award through peer evaluation makes this recognition even more meaningful. My goal is to make the most of the remaining program period with the help of the organizing institutions and graduate from the Preliminary Startup Package with the highest distinction.”
Startup Success Stories: Insights from Graduates
Following the startup presentations, three successful graduates of startup support programs were invited as guest speakers to share their experiences and business insights:
- Gu Soo-Ryong, Co-CEO of 365 Inc.
- Kim Hyun-Jae, CEO of Green Trader Inc.
- Jung Woo-Cheol, CEO of Biocean Inc.
These experienced entrepreneurs offered practical advice on the challenges and lessons learned during their startup journeys, providing invaluable insights to the attending entrepreneurs.
Strengthening Startup Networks with Key Industry Players
After the main event, a networking session was held, attended by around 200 participants, including representatives from Gyeongsangnam-do, startup support institutions, investors, and mentors. This session provided an opportunity for Preliminary Startup Package participants to establish valuable connections with potential investors and startup support organizations.
Gyeongsangnam-do’s Commitment to Startup Growth
The Preliminary Startup Package is an initiative hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) and the Korea Startup Promotion Agency, sponsored by Gyeongsangnam-do, and operated by the Gyeongnam Creative Economy Innovation Center. It aims to discover and support aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative ideas by providing comprehensive assistance throughout their startup journey.
Looking ahead, Gyeongsangnam-do plans to expand efforts to recruit new entrepreneurs early next year, further accelerating the region’s startup ecosystem development.
A Commitment to Fostering a Thriving Startup Environment
Acting Director Jang Seong-Man emphasized:
“The true protagonists of today’s event are the early-stage entrepreneurs and startup teams in Gyeongsangnam-do. The province and our center will continue to support the ambitions and hard work of these entrepreneurs, and in 2025, we will enhance our efforts to foster the growth of startups.”
A Gyeongsangnam-do official also reaffirmed the province’s commitment:
“We recognize that startups are a key driver of regional economic vitality. We will actively identify and support promising entrepreneurs with outstanding ideas, ensuring that Gyeongsangnam-do becomes an even more startup-friendly environment.”
