Mapo-gu and Seoul Institute of Technology to Collaborate on Demonstration of Innovative Technologies and Job Creation

Agreement Ceremony Held on the 7th, Utilizing Mapo-gu's Regional Characteristics and Rich Facility Infrastructure... Continuing a Mutual Relationship, Efforts to Create Jobs Based on 4th Industrial Revolution Activation... Plans to Establish an Innovation Demonstration District for Innovative Technology Validation and Operate Experience Programs

Yoo Dong-gyun, Mayor of Mapo-gu (left), and Ko In-seok, Director of Seoul Institute of Technology

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Mapo-gu (Mayor Yudonggyun) signed a business agreement on the 7th at Mapo-gu Office with the Seoul Institute of Technology (Director Ko In-seok) to mutually cooperate in discovering innovative technologies and revitalizing startups, small and medium enterprises, and venture companies.

The Seoul Institute of Technology is a Seoul Metropolitan Government-funded research institute established to solve various urban problems through technological innovation. In particular, it operates an online platform called ‘New Technology Reception Center’ that verifies proposals for innovative technologies and ideas, providing a foundation for innovative technology companies to grow their technologies.

This business agreement was promoted to invigorate job creation and technology commercialization for small and medium and venture companies by linking the R&D capabilities of the Seoul Institute of Technology with the district’s abundant facility infrastructure.

After several months of consultations, the two institutions specified cooperation areas such as demonstration of innovative technologies to solve urban problems, technical advice and educational support for Mapo-gu companies, and employment and startup projects in Mapo-gu.

The first project to be cooperated on following this agreement is the demonstration of the ‘Non-face-to-face Spare Change Accumulation and Exchange Sharing Platform-based O2O Fintech Service’ technology.

This service exchanges neglected foreign and domestic currencies non-face-to-face. Users can convert small foreign bills or coins, which are difficult to exchange at banks, into points by paying relatively low fees, then use the converted points to purchase digital products, subscribe to small financial products, or make donations.

Considering that Mapo-gu is a tourist destination frequently visited by foreign tourists and that the district has been promoting the tourism industry as a pledge project of the 7th local government, the district and the Seoul Institute of Technology judged that the demonstration effect of this technology could be enhanced. Therefore, the first cooperative project was decided as the demonstration of the ‘Non-face-to-face Spare Change Accumulation and Exchange Sharing Platform-based O2O Fintech Service’ technology.

Accordingly, Hongdae Street, a must-visit place for travelers from various countries, was selected as the location for installing the currency exchange platform kiosk, with plans to install it in front of the Mapo Tourism Information Center.

Following the first cooperative project and cooperation with the Seoul Institute of Technology, the district expects this to be an opportunity to further develop various district tourism projects by integrating new technologies, such as tourist welcome events, incentives for travel agencies attracting tourists, and operating Mapo-gu courses for Incheon Airport transit tours.

Moreover, the currency exchange fees generated during the demonstration period will be donated to the Mapo Scholarship Foundation, adding significance through consultation among the three parties: Mapo-gu, Seoul Institute of Technology, and the technology-owning company.

Meanwhile, as the concentration of IT-related service industries such as digital content and software development is high around Sangam DMC, the district recognizes the importance of the 4th industrial revolution and operates the ‘DMC Regional Job Creation Public-Private Council’ to discuss various related issues. It also conducts youth job projects to nurture core talents in related fields.

Building on this agreement, the district plans to actively support the self-sustainability of local technology, startup, and venture companies by conducting various programs such as technology consulting and startup education together with the Seoul Institute of Technology.

Additionally, the district plans to strengthen the projects through the cooperative relationship by consulting the Seoul Institute of Technology on technology verification needed in the design or implementation process of job projects related to the activation of the 4th industrial revolution.

Yudonggyun, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said, “I hope this agreement will provide opportunities for companies to build solid foundations through the creation of a technology startup ecosystem, and that companies with solid foundations will create jobs and contribute to economic revitalization, forming a virtuous cycle.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.