NearsLab Selected by Shinbo 'Pre-Icon'... 5 Billion KRW Guarantee Over 3 Years

Recognition of Autonomous Flight Drone Solution Technology Expertise

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheol-hyun] Nears Lab, a startup specializing in autonomous flight drone solutions (CEO Choi Jae-hyuk), announced on the 10th that it has been selected for the 'Pre-ICON' program operated by the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund (KODIT). With the Pre-ICON selection, Nears Lab will receive a guarantee of 5 billion KRW over three years from KODIT.

Pre-ICON is a program operated by KODIT aimed at scaling up innovative startups in the growth stage between 2 and 10 years after founding. Eligible candidates include First Penguin companies, companies with excellent investment attraction, and companies that have passed the preliminary screening for the Innovation ICON and have achieved their management goals early. Nears Lab was selected as a First Penguin company in 2020 and received a guarantee of 1.2 billion KRW, and last year completed Series C investment attraction.

Nears Lab is innovating safety inspections of industrial facilities, led by autonomous flight drones. Nears Lab's technology is deployed in wind power plant safety inspections in more than 25 countries worldwide. It is growing at over 200% annually. CEO Choi Jae-hyuk of Nears Lab said, "We aim to lead the global autonomous flight market and become the first unicorn company in the domestic drone industry."