On May 21, the ministry held a "Startup City Development Project Strategy Presentation" at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) Convention Hall, in collaboration with local governments, four major science and technology institutes, and regional startup support organizations. This event followed the "National Startup Era Strategy Meeting" held in April, where the initial project plan was announced.
The "Startup City Development Project" aims to create a sustainable regional startup ecosystem led by local initiatives, based on government support packages for startup growth in areas such as talent development, commercialization, investment, and infrastructure. The project reflects the specialized strategies of four cities: Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Ulsan.
Daegu's strategy focuses on becoming a leading city in advanced manufacturing driven by AI and robotics startups, leveraging DGIST's research capabilities to establish a deep tech testing ground.
Daejeon announced its strategy to develop a deep tech startup ecosystem centered around three key sectors: space and defense, AI and robotics, and biotechnology, utilizing the strengths of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).
Gwangju proposed a model for a testing city based on research personnel from the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), fostering development in future mobility, energy, AI, and semiconductors.
Ulsan plans to create an open testing city that facilitates the immediate commercialization of innovative technologies from local industries such as automotive, shipbuilding, and petrochemicals.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the four local governments also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to ensure the successful implementation of the "Startup City Development Project."
Minister Han Seung-sook emphasized the importance of fostering a virtuous cycle where technology startups thrive outside the capital region and companies that grow in these areas remain rooted locally. She stated, "Through the Startup City Project, we will create a self-sustaining startup ecosystem that generates growth momentum from within the regions."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.