Startup Hub City Gumi ... 'Rejump as the Center of South Korea's Economic Development'

Driving Startup Growth, Promoting Differentiated Ecosystem Transformation

Establishing Gumi-style Startup Level-up System… Innovation-Global

◆Realizing a Startup-Specialized City through the Rejuvenation of the National Industrial Complex in Advanced Future Industries

Recently, the Gumi National Industrial Complex, preparing for another leap forward with the selection of major national projects such as attracting the defense innovation cluster and designating a semiconductor materials and components specialized complex, is experiencing a fresh wave of startup support policies.

Amid the serious nationwide phenomenon of startups concentrating in the Seoul metropolitan area, Gumi City has operated an independent and distinctive startup support program called the ‘Gumi-type TIPTOP Startup Nurturing Project,’ confirming the potential influx of innovative startups in advanced industrial fields with high future value into Gumi.

Accordingly, Gumi City is promoting various startup support policies, including ▲establishing a customized stepped growth support system for startup companies ▲activating a connected platform that strongly links startup support functions such as technology exchange between companies ▲creating a future-oriented innovative growth unicorn valley that integrates various convenience spaces such as residency, product manufacturing, and rest areas.

◆Establishing a Customized Stepped Growth Support System for Startup Companies

Startup companies are categorized into initial, innovation, and global stages, and stepped support programs are operated according to each growth stage.

In the initial stage, support for technology advancement such as technology transfer, technology brokerage, testing and analysis, certification, and development funds promotes the transition to innovative startups.

In the innovation stage, full-package rapid growth support is provided from dedicated research for product commercialization to overseas market entry, along with joint research and development through strengthened connections with local small factories.

In the global stage, focused support is provided for expanding overseas markets, including dedicated buyer matching by country, collaboration with local partner companies, and overseas talent supply.

Additionally, Gumi City plans to accelerate the activation of the high value-added Gumi advanced future industry ecosystem by establishing the ‘Gumi-type Deep Tech Startup Fund,’ which can support the entire cycle of the startup support system.

◆Activation of the Startup Connected Platform

Gumi City activates the ‘Industry-Academia-Research-Government Connected Platform’ to complement blind spots in startup support and strengthen connections with local industries.

The startup connected platform consists of ▲integrated information service for startup support projects ▲InnoTech Forum for technology exchange with local industries ▲one-stop startup support through a support institution council.

The integrated guidance site provides customized notification services about startup support and offers one-click easy application functions to enhance accessibility and convenience for startups.

The InnoTech Forum supports technology exchange among local companies and provides information on future technologies in rapidly changing new industries, including technology cooperation brokerage for technologies of interest.

The support institution council prevents unnecessary confusion in startup support and provides seamless startup programs through one-stop linked support tailored to the growth direction of companies.

The venture investment council, composed of investment firms operating various local funds, supports substantial follow-up investments for growth into global unicorn companies.

The SOS response service is a reactive service for startup companies’ difficulties, providing prompt and clear close support to resolve issues.

◆Creation of a Future-Oriented Innovative Growth Unicorn Valley

Gumi City plans to create a ‘Future-Oriented Innovative Growth Unicorn Valley’ within the National Industrial Complex 1st District, the heart of Gumi, befitting its name as a startup-specialized city.

The Future-Oriented Innovative Growth Unicorn Valley is scheduled to be completed in 2026 through the ‘Industrial Complex Urban Regeneration Innovation Zone National Pilot Project.’

The Unicorn Valley, which will become a startup landmark in Gumi, will include startup residency spaces, a cluster of support institutions, product manufacturing spaces, happy housing, an industrial library, a street mall, and various convenience facilities.

Moreover, the Unicorn Valley is planned to be located where workers from large, medium, and small enterprises are concentrated, expected to inject significant vitality into the aging Gumi National Industrial Complex.

Mayor Kim Jang-ho stated, “Before realizing Gumi as a startup-specialized city, we will once again review startup support policies and strengthen connections with local industries through systematic operation, including improving various regulations and policies that hinder the activation of the startup ecosystem.”

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