KICOX to Host 9th G-Valley Startup Competition

For Startups Under 10 Years Old in All Fields Including AI-Based Manufacturing

The Seoul Regional Headquarters of the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation announced on July 8 that it will host the "2025 G-Valley Startup Competition" to discover promising startups that will lead future new industries.

The G-Valley Startup Competition, which began in 2017 and is now in its ninth year, is the largest startup program in G-Valley. It is organized by the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation, Soongsil University, Korea Credit Guarantee Fund, Korea SMEs and Startups Agency, as well as the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Guro District, Geumcheon District, and other related organizations in G-Valley to support the growth of startups.

This year, the winning teams will receive a total prize pool of 34 million KRW, along with practical benefits for scaling up, including an accelerating program and support linked to an open innovation program.

Korea Industrial Complex Corporation Headquarters

First, the professional accelerator CNT Tech will directly provide customized accelerating programs such as specialized consulting for investment attraction and IR pitching, as well as mock demo days. In addition, the competition will support the practical business expansion of startups by linking with the "Open Innovation Program," which seeks direct collaboration opportunities with large and mid-sized companies in G-Valley. The grand prize and gold prize winning teams will be provided with KICXUP Seoul residency vouchers and will receive additional points when applying for residency at Soongsil University Campus Town.

In particular, this year the eligibility period has been expanded from startups founded within seven years to those founded within ten years, allowing growth-stage startups that previously could not participate to newly join the competition. The recruitment fields cover all areas related to industrial complexes, including AI, robotics, and smart solutions.

Park Jongbae, head of the Seoul Regional Headquarters of the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation, stated, "We will continue to work together with related organizations so that G-Valley, which is emerging as a hub for advanced new industries, can become a startup hub that attracts even more startups," and added, "We hope for strong interest and participation from G-Valley startups."