Looking for Expert in Youth App Development

Ministry of SMEs and Startups and SK Planet Jointly Host App Development Startup Competition for Youth
Smart Future Created by Youth: 'Smartin App Challenge 2020'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheol-hyun] The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Minister Park Young-sun, hereinafter referred to as the Ministry) announced on the 8th that it will jointly host the 'Smartin App Challenge 2020,' a youth application (app) development competition, with SK Planet (CEO Lee Han-sang). From today until May 13, participants will be recruited, and eligibility is limited to high school students nationwide or youths with equivalent qualifications. Youths wishing to participate can submit an idea proposal and apply online through the T Academy website.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the 'Smartin App Challenge' is held to encourage the discovery of new ideas from youths and to nurture creative talents in new industry fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), social, and gaming. Since mobile app development is essential for business growth, innovative ideas from youths interested in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector have emerged annually through this competition. Over the past nine years, 2,895 teams have participated, developing and commercializing 336 apps, with 43 teams achieving startup success.

This competition is divided into three categories: ▲Future Industry (AI, IoT) ▲Lifestyle Information (lifestyle, social, photography, education, etc.) ▲Entertainment (games, AR, VR, etc.). After receiving proposals, 45 teams will be provided with education and mentoring, and through step-by-step evaluations, 21 teams will be finally selected and awarded in November. Among the 21 award-winning teams, including the grand prize winner (Minister of SMEs and Startups Award), a total prize of 51 million KRW will be awarded, along with support for promotion, marketing, and follow-up commercialization of the launched services.

A Ministry official stated, "As app-related industries are increasing in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we plan to actively support the successful startups of promising youths in the future."