Transforming Military Experience into Startup Assets
From Social Reintegration to Local Economic Revitalization
A New Chapter for Veterans through the Startup Competition
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs is aiming not only to support the social reintegration of discharged soldiers but also to simultaneously revitalize local economies and expand the startup ecosystem. The ministry is hosting the '2025 Veterans Startup Competition' and is accepting applications until September 7.
This competition is not just a simple startup support contest. It is a policy experiment that seeks to integrate the leadership, crisis management skills, and organizational experience developed during military service into the civilian startup environment. It is also regarded as a new pathway for discharged soldiers preparing for the next chapter of their lives.
◆ Transforming Military Experience into Startup Competitiveness
Eligible participants include mid- and long-term discharged soldiers registered with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, as well as those designated as eligible after completing mandatory service. Both companies established within the past seven years and aspiring entrepreneurs may participate.
After a document review and a final presentation evaluation, five finalists will be selected. These individuals will receive the Minister’s Award at the '2025 Veterans Employment and Startup Expo' to be held on September 30. In addition to a total prize pool of 20 million won, winners will receive business plan advancement training, presentation skills workshops, and opportunities to connect with investors.
◆ "Military Experience Should Become a Startup Asset"
Minister Kwon Oul emphasized, "The organizational management skills and leadership acquired through military service are invaluable assets in the startup process," adding, "Veterans’ startups can develop into innovative businesses that contribute not only to livelihoods but also to regional economies and national competitiveness."
In fact, in advanced countries, veteran entrepreneurs are making significant strides in advanced security, defense technology, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Experts believe that startups founded by Korean veterans also have high growth potential, especially in fields directly related to national security, such as defense, drones, disaster safety, and security software.
◆ Moving Beyond Simple Support to 'Startup Infrastructure'
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs plans to develop this competition into a sustainable startup infrastructure rather than a one-time event. The 'Veterans-Investor Networking Event' scheduled for October is expected to strengthen connections with the private investment ecosystem and serve as a bridge for veterans to successfully enter the startup market.
Meanwhile, the story of Mr. A, a discharged soldier who succeeded as an entrepreneur after leaving the military: "The perseverance and crisis management skills I learned in the military translated directly into my business." After serving as an Army officer for ten years, Mr. A (age 42) founded a smart disaster prevention solutions company and now operates a business with annual sales of 2 billion won.
Building on his disaster response experience from his military days, he developed a 'real-time fire detection system' using IoT sensors and has distinguished himself in the field of fire safety. Mr. A stated, "I felt uncertain after leaving the military, but the startup education and mentoring provided by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs were a great help." He added, "The organizational management skills and crisis response training I developed in the military are the strongest competitive advantages in running a startup."
Experts analyze that Mr. A’s case demonstrates how veterans’ startups can not only achieve self-reliance but also create public value by driving industrial innovation and strengthening the social safety net.
Veterans’ startup policies go beyond simple welfare measures; they are a strategic initiative to simultaneously enhance national competitiveness and security capabilities. Efforts to reframe military service experience as startup assets can transform the lives of discharged soldiers and contribute to balanced regional development and the discovery of new industries.
Accordingly, this competition is expected to move beyond the existing paradigm of 'post-discharge reemployment support' and serve as a testing ground for creating a virtuous cycle model linking national security and the startup ecosystem.
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