Daegu CCEI Completes Pre-startup Incubation, Selects 3 Outstanding Prospective Founders

The Daegu Creative Economy Innovation Center (Daegu Center) has established a breeding ground for promising startups that will lead future innovation. By successfully concluding the ‘2025 Preliminary Startup Package Pre-Incubating Program,’ it unleashed the potential of preliminary entrepreneurs in the regional deep tech sector. This program was designed to unearth hidden entrepreneurial gems in the region early and systematically nurture them. Last September, 15 preliminary entrepreneurs with brilliant ideas in advanced deep tech fields such as robotics, future mobility, and artificial intelligence (AI) had the honor of being selected after overcoming a high competition rate of 4:1. They honed their practical startup capabilities by undertaking an intensive two-month incubation process. The training was conducted in stages, providing intensive learning opportunities. In Stage 1, participants built their foundational strength for entrepreneurship through lectures on business plan and IR pitch deck writing. In Stage 2, they immersed themselves in item verification and improvement through a one-night, two-day in-depth session. In particular, IR pitching consulting, business model (BM) advancement, and expert mentoring played a decisive role in actualizing the preliminary entrepreneurs' ideas. At the final demo day held on the 27th, advanced business ideas were unveiled, and three excellent graduates emerged after fierce evaluation. They are granted unprecedented benefits, which can be called a shortcut to startup success. As a special benefit linked to the ‘2026 Preliminary Startup Package’ project, the first-place winner received a priority selection opportunity, while the second and third-place winners secured a golden ticket of exemption from document evaluation. The Daegu Center doesn't stop here. To ensure that graduates of this program transition into actual startups, the center plans to provide comprehensive follow-up support, including links to the Preliminary Startup Package, as well as its own program ‘Clutch’ and connections with expert mentors. Han In-guk, Head of the Daegu Creative Economy Innovation Center, stated, “Through this program, we once again confirmed the excellent preliminary entrepreneurs in the region and the demand for one-stop startup support for them.” He emphasized, “We will provide generous support to enable preliminary entrepreneurs with infinite growth potential to leap into successful startups.” As the lead institution for the ‘Preliminary Startup Package’ project organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Daegu Center, which has supported a total of 247 companies from 2019 to 2025, is revitalizing the regional startup ecosystem through this pre-incubation program and continues to play a leading role in discovering innovative companies that will lead the future economy.