Joint Operation of Accelerating Program in the Smart City Sector
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon Startup Park has established a collaborative system with Google for Startups, gaining momentum as Korea's first open innovation startup hub for leap and growth.
On the 22nd, according to the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, Incheon Startup Park, the private operator Shinhan Squarebridge Incheon (S²Bridge: Incheon), and Google for Startups signed a partnership to unite their efforts in fostering startups.
Google for Startups is an entrepreneurial space created by Google, and this partnership marks the first case of expanding the startup ecosystem centered in Seoul to the entire country. Google for Startups has been established in seven cities across seven countries worldwide, including Seoul and London, UK, where institutions and startups can mutually open and use their spaces.
Google recognized the growth potential of Incheon Startup Park, which is accelerating the creation of a "Korean-style Silicon Valley" through nurturing global unicorn companies, and is now actively supporting the development of startups in the Incheon area through a partnership with Shinhan Squarebridge Incheon.
Accordingly, a smart city sector acceleration program specialized for the Incheon Free Economic Zone will be jointly operated with Shinhan Squarebridge Incheon, providing support for global startups in demonstration support, business advancement, and investment linkage.
In particular, various educational programs will be operated to offer marketing solutions, mentoring, and networking linked with Google's headquarters. Additionally, a 'Google Startup Space' will open on the first floor of Incheon Startup Park InstaⅡ.
The collaboration with Google is expected to vitalize the startup ecosystem encompassing Incheon-based startups, support institutions, and university entrepreneurship organizations, significantly enhancing startups' capabilities to enter the global market by connecting them with Google's global community.
Mayor Park Namchun stated, "The partnership with Google’s Startup Campus, a global company, will be an opportunity for Incheon Startup Park to take a step forward," adding, "We hope startups that have grown in Incheon will expand globally."
Incheon Startup Park, officially opened last February in Songdo International City, is the largest startup support space in Korea fostering innovative companies based on 4th industrial revolution technologies such as artificial intelligence and bio convergence.
It is Korea's first model combining private experience and capabilities with public resources to nurture startups, operated by Shinhan Financial Group's 'Shinhan Squarebridge Incheon.'
The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority aims to nurture 450 innovative companies based on 4th industrial revolution technologies, train 2,000 global talents, support 400 companies entering the global market, and create 1,050 jobs through various support programs.
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