Gwangmyeong City Selects 20 Innovative Startups with 'Future Technologies'... Launches Unicorn Nurturing Program

Up to 25 Million Won in Commercialization Funding and Office Space Provided
Promising Teams Discovered in Core Fourth Industrial Fields Including AI, Pet Care, and Safety
“Scale-Up Connection Day” Held to Foster a Collaborative Startup Ecosystem

Gwangmyeong City in Gyeonggi Province is set to discover innovative startups specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and future technologies, aiming to secure new engines of growth for the local economy.

On the 7th, Gwangmyeong City held a signing ceremony with 20 teams selected for the "2026 Future Technology-Based Startup Development Project" at the Gwangmyeong City Startup Support Center. Provided by Gwangmyeong City

On May 7, Gwangmyeong City announced that it had signed agreements with 20 teams selected for the "2026 Future Technology-Based Startup Incubation Project" at the Gwangmyeong City Startup Support Center and would begin providing full-scale support.

This project is designed to discover and foster new startups with innovative ideas, increase the survival rate of startups, and drive local job creation and regional economic revitalization.

The city selected a final group of 20 teams through a comprehensive evaluation of social value, understanding of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) management, business specificity, feasibility, and entrepreneurial capability.

The selected teams will receive commercialization funds ranging from a minimum of 16 million won to a maximum of 25 million won. They will also be provided with various forms of support needed for each stage of growth, including one-on-one consulting with experts and startup office space.

Key items include an "AI-based biotechnology solution for preventing pet metabolic diseases," the "EduBridge Escape Room Education Platform," an "AI response optimization marketing automation platform," "escalator safety and hygiene management equipment and platform," and an "AI-based, space-customized floral interior service."

Choi Hyemin, Acting Mayor (Deputy Mayor) of Gwangmyeong City, stated, "We will support startup teams with innovative ideas so they can establish their business foundations and grow in Gwangmyeong. We will continue to provide stage-by-stage support so that startups can become key drivers revitalizing the local economy."

Meanwhile, on May 7, Gwangmyeong City entered into agreements with the 20 selected startup teams at the Startup Support Center and officially commenced the project.

The event began with an introduction to the startup incubation project, followed by an overview of the ESG consulting program and a special lecture, training on subsidy usage, and the agreement signing ceremony.

Additionally, the city hosted the "Gwangmyeong Startup Scale-Up Connection Day," where both existing startups and newly selected teams participated, providing opportunities for collaboration and information sharing between experienced and new companies.

Separately from the commercialization funding, the city is also accepting applications for its accelerator program, which helps startups grow at each stage. Applications are open until May 10.

Mentoring services for both prospective and current entrepreneurs are also available at all times, and more details can be found on the Gwangmyeong City Startup Support Center website.

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