HP Korea has launched a collaboration platform called HP Garage 2.0 to support the global expansion of Korean artificial intelligence (AI) startups. The initiative aims to leverage HP's global network and technological infrastructure to assist local startups in validating their technologies and commercializing their products while facilitating entry into international markets.
On May 21, HP Korea officially announced the launch of HP Garage 2.0 during a press conference held at the Gravity Hotel in Pangyo, Seongnam.
In his opening remarks, David McQuarrie, HP's Business Head, stated, "Korea is an important innovation market for HP. We have invested in research and development, startups, and partnerships in Korea for a long time." He described HP Garage 2.0 as a platform that provides mentorship, incubation, and market entry support to help Korean startups expand into the global market. McQuarrie is one of the key executives at HP's headquarters in the United States.
HP Garage 2.0 operates as part of the global collaboration program "AroundX," promoted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Startup Promotion Agency. Participating startups will be matched one-on-one with HP's innovation champions to collaborate on technology development and commercialization. This approach will involve working with engineering, product, and business teams to validate and enhance solutions based on actual customer needs and usage environments.
Kang Yong-nam, CEO of HP Korea, remarked, "AI innovation is creating changes greater than the dot-com revolution. We are in an era where even small teams with exceptional technology can drive significant innovation." He expressed confidence that many startups in Korea will achieve great success.
Through this program, HP will focus on supporting startups that can connect with AI-driven future work environments, edge devices, printing innovations, and decision-support solutions. The initial participants include Nexpot Solutions, which offers QR-based authentication solutions; Jigu Korea, an AI collaboration platform; The Sunhan Co., which specializes in AI-driven sales automation; ElectroCookie, which provides input devices and macro solutions; and Hawkma Labs, which creates text-based 3D content.
HP will provide participating companies with high-performance workstations and consulting services, collaborating on technology validation, product and platform integration, and market entry strategy development. Notably, Korean startups will have the opportunity to connect with international markets through HP's global network, while HP aims to expand its ecosystem of AI-driven work innovation solutions and printing technologies.
Kang emphasized, "Just because a product or solution is developed does not mean it will be commercially viable immediately. It is essential to create prototypes and undergo sandboxing and validation processes to develop commercially viable products."
HP also indicated that partnerships could continue beyond the program's duration. In response to a question, Kang noted, "While the program has a set duration, as seen in Singapore, we can continue to work together as HP partners in business afterward."
Finally, Kang stated, "We aim to help startups achieve in one to two years what would take them ten years to accomplish on their own, through this acceleration program. As a Korean, I will do my best to ensure that Korean companies can significantly advance with the support of global firms."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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