GNT Leads Future Mobility Innovation
Global Expansion Begins with Support from Hoseo University
Hoseo University in South Chungcheong Province announced on June 12 that its strategically nurtured tech startup, GNT Co., Ltd., has signed a distribution rights agreement with Germany's Prettl Group for electric vehicle converters worth a total of 460 billion KRW.
GNT, established in 2023, is a specialized manufacturer of future mobility and semiconductor components. Based on its electronic control technology, it is a rapidly growing tech-based startup.
This agreement was finalized after a series of phased negotiations, which began with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for investment, followed by a technology validation test, a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), and a letter of commitment (LOC).
Previously, Rolf G?nther Prettl, chairman of the Prettl Group, visited the planned GNT production site within Hoseo University's Venture Valley with GNT CEO Son Ilsu to discuss future business development plans.
Subsequently, through meetings with Asan Mayor Oh Sehyun and Hoseo University President Kang Ilgu, a business agreement (MOU) was also signed for industry-academia cooperation, talent cultivation, and business expansion, laying the foundation for long-term global collaboration.
This agreement serves as a successful collaboration model between a Korean university and a European global corporation, offering significant implications for the domestic startup ecosystem.
Son Ilsu, CEO of GNT, stated, "I was able to establish the foundation for my startup by completing my bachelor's, master's, and doctoral studies at Hoseo University," and added, "This contract was also made possible thanks to Hoseo University's continuous support."
From the early stages of GNT's founding, Hoseo University supported acceleration through the 'HIT-PEAK+' tech startup incubation program, invested 300 million KRW, and facilitated government support by recommending the company for Deep Tech TIPS.
President Kang Ilgu commented, "GNT's global contract is a representative example of our university's startup support leading to tangible results," and added, "We will continue to provide comprehensive support so that promising startups can settle in the market and grow."
Meanwhile, Hoseo University is establishing itself as a leading startup hub in Korea by integrating major domestic startup support programs, including the Startup-Centered University Project, the Re-Challenge Success Package, RISE Project, TIPS, and specialized BI development, all based on a startup-friendly campus.
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