KOSFO Chungbuk Business Trip: 8 Companies' Investment Pitch

The Korea Startup Forum (KOSPO) successfully concluded the 'Business Trip in Chungbuk' in collaboration with Chungcheongbuk-do. This two-day event was a program focused not merely on regional promotion, but on solving the region's actual challenges with the innovative technologies of startups and leading to proof-of-concept (PoC). Governor Kim Young-hwan of Chungbuk Province, Vice Governor for Political Affairs Kim Soo-min, other officials, KOSPO member companies, and about 80 Chungbuk startups participated together. Participants directly explored areas such as Osong Station and Cheongju's old city center, experiencing local issues firsthand. Based on this, through the 'If I Were the Governor' ideathon, they proposed creative solutions for Chungbuk's core issues, including mobility, floating population, and healthcare. Vice Governor for Political Affairs Kim Soo-min provided in-depth feedback to ensure these ideas could be linked to policies. In the subsequent 'KOSPO x Chungbuk Future Talk,' Governor Kim Young-hwan directly presented Chungbuk's future vision, and together with KOSPO Chairman Han Sang-woo, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for startup activation, solidifying mutual cooperation. Additionally, an enthusiastic pitching competition unfolded among 8 startups aspiring to expand into Chungbuk. Easy Korea, which introduced a new concept current sensor, won the Grand Prize, and Dajayo, which proposed a Cheongnamdae-based premium experience program, received the Excellence Award. Starting with this trip, KOSPO plans to further expand its member companies' regional expansion, continue strong solidarity with Chungbuk, and develop region-specific innovation models in various parts of the country, including Sejong, Busan, and Jeju. Chairman Han Sang-woo emphasized that this was a "proof-of-concept-focused program where startups directly solve real issues presented by the region on-site," and stated that KOSPO will continue to lead the expansion of startup growth opportunities and regional economic development through such cooperation models.