The Heart of Manufacturing Innovation: Industrial Complexes Meet Startups to Expand Their Global Reach

Building an Open Innovation Ecosystem through the 'KICXUP' Platform

From PoC Support to Financial Backing and Global Expansion

Industrial complexes are evolving into "innovation ecosystems" powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology. At the center of this transformation is the "Industrial Complex Open Innovation" initiative led by the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation. This program, jointly promoted with Korea Credit Guarantee Fund, is distinguished from other initiatives by its ability to conduct technology proof-of-concept (PoC) directly at industrial complex sites. Korea Industrial Complex Corporation aims to lower the barriers of traditionally closed manufacturing sites and infuse them with the innovative DNA of startups, thereby turning industrial complexes into forward bases that connect exports and innovation.

According to Korea Industrial Complex Corporation on April 29, the cumulative number of industrial complex-tailored PoC projects reached 42 as of last year, with a total support amount of 460 million won. This marks significant growth compared to just 2 PoC projects and 20 million won in support in 2022. The number of participating companies has also more than tripled, from 24 in 2022 to 77 last year. These figures demonstrate the competitiveness of Korea Industrial Complex Corporation’s program in the core area of open innovation: validation. This year, Korea Industrial Complex Corporation plans to expand PoC support to 19 projects and further develop the "Regional Industrial Complex Issue-Solving PoC" focused on addressing challenges in key regional complexes, specifically the "5 Hub 3 Specialized" areas.

Efforts to establish a "virtuous cycle of innovation" that enables startups to settle and grow are also noteworthy. Startup incubation spaces established in Seoul (Gasan) and Gwangju currently host 33 companies, including Makemake. The corporation plans to expand these regional hubs to areas such as Gyeongsang and Chungcheong provinces and provide region-specific programs. To support promising companies seeking growth, substantial financial support has also been provided. From 2022 to 2025, the corporation will help attract a total of 7.8 billion won in funding, including approximately 5.25 billion won in investments and 2.55 billion won in guarantee support, serving as a reliable pillar for startups.

For example, RebuilderAI, a 3D manufacturing data AI company, conducted open innovation with CJ ENM, a tenant of Seoul Digital National Industrial Complex, through the "KICXUP Challenge" led by Korea Industrial Complex Corporation, and secured a total of 4.5 billion won in investment from sources including Korea Credit Guarantee Fund. The company's technological prowess was further recognized with two innovation awards at CES 2026.

On the 13th, at the ‘2026 KICXUP Innovation Day’ held in Seoul, a client company explained its on-site difficulties and technology needs to startups. Korea Industrial Complex Corporation

The Industrial Complex Open Innovation program also supports domestic startups in entering global supply chains. In September last year, a business meetup was held at KINTEX in Ilsan, attended by 42 domestic and international client companies and venture capital firms, as well as 144 startups. In November, the program pursued local networking strategies in Hanoi, Vietnam. As a result, ValoringBiz, a data-driven business development platform company, signed four MOUs with companies in Vietnam and Indonesia and is considering establishing local subsidiaries, thereby achieving tangible export results.

Korea Industrial Complex Corporation is positioning this year as a leap forward for open innovation. The company plans to improve the PoC support system by aligning it with key government initiatives and to enhance effectiveness by introducing a "reverse pitching" approach, where large and mid-sized companies present their needs first. The second Korea Industrial Complex Export Fair (KICEF 2026), scheduled for September at EXCO in Daegu, is expected to become the pinnacle of global open innovation. A Korea Industrial Complex Corporation official stated, "Industrial complexes are spaces where Korea's manufacturing capabilities are concentrated. Through open innovation, we will provide new growth drivers to tenant companies and proven testbeds to startups, thereby completing Korea's industrial innovation ecosystem."

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