Gyeongnam Information University has recently achieved notable success in the fields of faculty entrepreneurship and beauty professional training.
A faculty startup supported by the university won an award at the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Women's Entrepreneurship Competition, while students from the Global K-Beauty Department demonstrated their practical skills by winning top honors at a local beauty skills competition.
On October 8, Gyeongnam Information University announced that Professor Park Ui-jeong from the nursing department received the BWC Women Entrepreneur Star Award (Busan Women's University President's Award) for her startup, Synapse-ED, at the '3rd W-Venture Entrepreneurship Competition' held at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Haeundae, Busan.
The competition, co-hosted by Gyeongnam Information University, the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Women Venture Association, and Busan Women's University, featured 82 teams of women entrepreneurs from the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam regions. Eight teams that passed the preliminary rounds presented their business models and growth potential in the finals. Approximately 60 officials, including Lee Cheong-il, head of the Busan Regional Small and Medium Business Administration, attended the awards ceremony.
Synapse-ED, the award-winning startup, is the second faculty startup established at Gyeongnam Information University this year. It has developed a universal artificial intelligence (AI) education platform based on teaching materials and learning data and has recently filed for a patent. The university has provided tailored consulting and commercialization support since the startup's inception.
Park Ui-jeong stated, "The customized consulting and close business support from the university's career and entrepreneurship support office have been a great help. As a faculty entrepreneur, I aim to grow my company into one that creates positive value for society."
The Busan Mayor's Award, the grand prize of the competition, went to 'Kifew.' 'If' received the Next Generation Women Entrepreneur Award, 'Memoment' won the Pre-Unicorn Award, and 'Aureena' took home the Enterprise Award, while 'Uwellnow,' 'The One,' and 'Jangsu Bio' also received awards.
In addition to achievements in entrepreneurship, students' practical skills were recognized at a regional competition. On October 6, at the Busan Port International Exhibition and Convention Center (BPEX), three students from the Global K-Beauty Department received the Busan Mayor's Award and a member of parliament's award at the '2026 Busan Beauty Art Festival 12th Busan Beauty Skills Competition.'
At this competition, first-year student Park Min-seo and second-year student Lee Ye-rim, both majoring in nail art, won the grand champion award, the Busan Mayor's Award, in the creative art and salon pedicure categories, respectively. Student Kim So-yeon also received a member of parliament's award for her recognized work quality.
The university explained that the students showcased the nail art skills and design capabilities they acquired through regular classes and practical training during the competition.
Professor Park Se-hee remarked, "It is meaningful that the students' long hours of hard work have led to significant achievements. We will cultivate practical talents who can lead the K-nail industry through various field training and competition support."
Im Jun-woo, Vice President of Industry-Academic Cooperation at Gyeongnam Information University, stated, "This was an opportunity to confirm the capabilities of women entrepreneurs in the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region. We will support the outstanding entrepreneurs identified to successfully attract investment and commercialize their businesses."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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