Gwangjin-gu Signs Business Agreement with Konkuk University Aerospace Design Certification Research Institute

Business-Academia-Government Technology Collaboration
to Boost Startups at Gwangjin Economic Hub Center

On July 7, Gwangjin-gu in Seoul announced that it had signed a business agreement with the Aerospace Design Certification Research Institute at Konkuk University to facilitate technology transfer for companies based in the Gwangjin Economic Hub Center.

Commemorative photo after the business agreement. Provided by Gwangjin-gu.

The Gwangjin Economic Hub Center, which opened in 2003, has been striving to establish a successful foundation for startups in the local community. It has established itself as a comprehensive startup support platform by providing consulting, investment attraction, networking, marketing, and branding support. Annual sales, which stood at 15.7 billion won at the beginning of the 8th popularly elected administration, increased by 88% to 29.5 billion won last year.

The signing ceremony, held on July 4 in the office of the Gwangjin-gu mayor, was attended by Kim Kyungho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, as well as officials from the Aerospace Design Certification Research Institute at Konkuk University and other related personnel, totaling more than 10 participants. The research institute possesses advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and software, making it possible to transfer and integrate these technologies with startups based in the Gwangjin Economic Hub Center.

The areas of cooperation include industrial technology transfer, linkage of technology demonstration projects, technology review and advancement consulting for resident companies, and information sharing to foster a startup ecosystem. In practice, technology briefings and consulting sessions will be held, and technologies will be utilized to develop prototypes. In addition, PhD-level researchers will be involved in patent applications and the commercialization process.

The district expects that this agreement will strengthen its role as a hub for industry-academia-government cooperation and lead to qualitative growth in the local startup environment.

Kim Kyungho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, stated, "This is a meaningful occasion where companies, universities, and the administration join forces to support the growth and development of the local community," adding, "We will actively support the Gwangjin Economic Hub Center to establish a successful foundation for startups in the region and revitalize the local economy."