Seoul City Supports Growth of Design Startups... Cultivating 5 Companies into Specialized Enterprises

Providing Growth Experience through Startup Incubation Programs, Developing Public Services to Enhance Citizen Convenience
Comprehensive Support from Design Development to Expert 1-on-1 Mentoring, Prototype Production, and Online-Offline Promotion

Architectural Office 19341 'Design Rockfall Protection Net'

Determined 'Unboxing'

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Seoul City announced on the 11th that through the ‘2021 WE UP Project,’ which selects design startups that create social value and nurtures them to grow into specialized design companies, it has developed a total of five types of public designs together with startups from various fields.

In April last year, Seoul City selected five design startups that submitted excellent proposals through an open recruitment process, and provided comprehensive support tailored to each company’s needs over seven months, from design planning and development to prototype production, distribution network connection, and online and offline promotion.

Through one-on-one mentoring with public design experts, decision-making necessary for project promotion was supported, and opportunities to gain field experience were provided. Additionally, to develop user-centered designs, the process involved collaboration with various stakeholders through field surveys, questionnaires, interviews, and consultations to complete the designs. Design development costs were also provided to each startup.

Furthermore, Seoul City negotiated with related organizations to enable startups to procure materials needed for design, connected distribution channels where finished products could be showcased, and actively supported promotion through design specialty magazines and public institutions. A demand survey was conducted for the selected startups, and special lectures on five essential topics for business growth?big data analysis, branding and speech, marketing, patents, etc.?were provided, offering opportunities to learn and share core strategies for business management.

The five newly developed designs are ▲‘SWIT.X,’ an exhibition furniture that is easy to install and store and allows users to choose designs according to their preferences ▲‘Design Rockfall Prevention Net,’ considering both aesthetics and functionality ▲‘LOGIN TOUR,’ a local area virtual travel content and online platform ▲‘UPBOXING,’ a multipurpose furniture that can utilize idle spaces ▲‘HAN:REBIRTH matbag,’ a mat and bag made from discarded yacht sails, paragliding, and glamping materials.

This year, Seoul City plans to promote a proposal contest around February to select startups that will develop designs together with the city through the ‘WE UP Project.’ Any startup within seven years of business registration and including at least two specialized personnel according to the standards for public design professionals can participate in the contest.

Joo Yong-tae, Head of Seoul City’s Culture Headquarters, said, “Through the ‘WE UP Project,’ we have transformed startup ideas that remained only as proposals into designs, providing convenient services to citizens and offering participating companies the experience to grow into excellent specialized companies in the public design field. We will continue to nurture and support capable design startups.”

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