16 universities in the province are participating
Universities focus on entrepreneurship education, while the Innovation Center supports entrepreneurship
Eight programs, including the ‘University Union CON Competition’, are being implemented
Gyeongnam’s universities have joined forces to vitalize the local startup ecosystem. On the 9th, Gyeongsangnam-do announced that as part of the ‘Regional Innovation-Centered University Support System (RISE)’ initiative, 16 universities in the province and the Gyeongnam Center for Creative Economy & Innovation will undertake shared and collaborative programs to enhance youth entrepreneurship and innovative capabilities.
This collaboration is noteworthy as universities provide entrepreneurship education, and the Creative Economy Innovation Center supports practical entrepreneurship, establishing a ‘startup ladder system’ from the basics to commercialization.
Especially noteworthy is the ‘University Union CON (CORN) Competition’ hosted by the Gyeongnam Center for Creative Economy & Innovation, which serves as a symbolic platform that unites entrepreneurial capabilities among universities through exchange and competition between startup clubs. ‘CORN’ stands for Collage Of RISE Network, aiming to bridge the gap between institutions and creating a network-focused platform to connect ideas and talent. Participants will enter the competition after completing the hands-on program ‘CORN Project’, which teaches customer-oriented startup methodologies.
Additionally, the ‘Visiting Startup Talks’ program, which visits each university campus, will be operated frequently. The Creative Economy Innovation Center plans to expand site-focused startup culture by actively communicating with the youth and sharing practical entrepreneurial advice and cases.
Universities will provide intensive education in all stages, including entrepreneurship mindset formation, team building, and business model establishment. The Creative Economy Innovation Center will take charge of mentoring, investment linkage, and business planning for the winning teams of competitions. This approach aims to enable practical and continuous connections that allow prospective entrepreneurs to continue their ventures even after graduation.
Gyeongnam aims to ensure this collaboration develops into a virtuous cycle structure that ties regional settlement, employment, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving, beyond being a short-term startup event.
Ha Jeong-su, Director of University Cooperation at Gyeongnam Province, stated, “By combining the capabilities of RISE participating universities and the network of the Creative Economy Innovation Center, it will solidify as a practical regional innovation model. We expect it to lay the groundwork for promoting youth entrepreneurship as well as the settlement and growth of local talents.”
Noh Choong-sik, the representative of the Gyeongnam Center for Creative Economy & Innovation, stated, “We will strengthen our role as a hub in the startup sphere among 16 universities in the province, and by establishing a nurturing structure for a virtuous cycle of talents within the startup ecosystem, elevate Gyeongnam’s startup foundation to the next level.”