3457㎡ Site of Former AmorePacific Factory in Yeongdeok-dong
Supporting Companies through KOTRA deXter, ETRI, and KAIST Collaboration
Yongin City in Gyeonggi Province has established a hub in Yeongdeok-dong, Giheung-gu, to foster semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) startups.
On the 14th, Yongin City held an opening ceremony for the 'Small Business Startup Hub' built on the site of the former Amorepacific factory in Yeongdeok-dong and announced on the 15th that full-scale operations have begun.
Attendees are cutting the commemorative tape at the opening ceremony of the 'Small Business Startup Hub' established in Yeongdeok-dong, Yongin City. Photo by Yongin City
This facility was constructed on a 5,000㎡ site with four floors above ground and a total floor area of 3,457㎡. Alongside the startup hub, the building also houses KOTRA's Digital Trade Comprehensive Support Center (deXter), and startup support spaces from the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) and KAIST. Local welfare institutions such as the Yeongdeok 1-dong Heungdeok Senior Citizens' Center and the Yongin Mental Health Welfare Center branch are also located here, attracting attention.
The startup hub is exclusively operated by the Yongin Industry Promotion Agency. The agency explained that unlike typical startup support centers that mainly provide simple office space, this hub is characterized by tailored support for system semiconductor and AI startups to foster strategic industries. To this end, the agency offers one-stop solutions necessary for startup creation and growth, including startup spaces, mentoring, technical education, and networking.
ETRI, KAIST, and KOTRA also participate in this initiative. ETRI operates a joint lab for system semiconductors and is responsible for research and development as well as technical education. KAIST directly supports resident companies through its startup accelerator program by providing consulting and investment. KOTRA serves as a key platform to strengthen digital trade and export capabilities of local small and medium-sized enterprises through deXter, which it co-manages with the city.
Lee Sang-il, Mayor of Yongin, is touring the facilities at the opening ceremony of the Small Business Startup Hub. Provided by Yongin City
About 150 people attended the opening ceremony, including Lee Sang-il, Mayor of Yongin; Lee Jeong-hoon, Head of KOTRA's Digital Trade and Investment Division; Lee In-hwan, Head of ETRI's Metropolitan Research Headquarters; Bae Hyun-min, Dean of KAIST Startup Institute; Jeong Hoe-hoon, CEO of KAIST Youth Startup Investment Holdings; Lee Chung-soon, Director of Yongin Mental Health Center; and Jeong Su-jo, President of the Korean Senior Citizens Association Giheung-gu Branch in Yongin.
Mayor Lee said, "I feel proud to open such a well-equipped facility that might be unique in other regions as a new-concept complex space. I hope many outstanding startups will be born here through collaboration and connection among related organizations, creating wonderful innovations."
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