Smart City and Startup Experts Gather in One Place... International Symposium on the 7th in Songdo, Incheon

by Park Haesook

Published 02 Dec.2021 12:03(KST)

A view of Incheon Startup Park in Songdo International City [Photo provided by Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] An international symposium where smart city and startup experts from Korea and France come together to share related policies and innovation cases will be held in Songdo International City, Incheon Free Economic Zone, a globally recognized smart city and self-proclaimed 'Korean Silicon Valley.'

The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority announced on the 2nd that, in collaboration with the French Embassy in Korea and the Korea-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it will hold the '2021 Incheon Free Economic Zone Smart City International Symposium' under the theme 'Smart City Innovation through Startups' on the 7th in Songdo.

The symposium will be composed of three detailed topics following a special keynote speech by Fleur Pellerin, former French Minister of Digital Economy who planned and promoted the French startup fostering policy 'La French Tech': ▲ Urban Planning and Policy ▲ Sustainable Smart Cities ▲ Startup Technology and Innovation.

Session 1 will discuss urban planning policies and success cases from both Korea and France.

Next, Session 2 will introduce various research projects currently underway by the Stanford Korea Center, based in Songdo, aimed at the sustainability of smart cities, and will also shed light on the future of smart mobility.

Session 3 will feature participation from Incheon Startup Park and the French startup fostering organization 'Creative Valley,' introducing the roles of each institution in nurturing startups in both countries.

Additionally, pitching sessions will be held featuring startups from Incheon Startup Park aiming to enter the French market and French startups seeking to enter the Korean market.

The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority plans to sign a letter of intent for startup fostering with 'Business France,' an organization responsible for supporting exports and international cooperation of French companies, during this event.