Save the Farms Selected for 2024 Innovative Company Builder Support Program

Leader in Solving Environmental Problems, Save the Farms, Injects New Vitality into Gyeonggi-do's Startup Ecosystem Save the Farms, an organic waste upcycling startup that dreams of solving environmental problems and achieving a sustainable future, is achieving remarkable results and injecting new vitality into Gyeonggi-do's startup ecosystem. It recently demonstrated its potential by winning the Grand Prize in the ESG Social Value category at the '2024 Startup Innovation Space Company Builder Support Program,' hosted by the Gyeonggi Business & Science Accelerator and The Innovators. Save the Farms is an innovative company leading the way in creatively recycling difficult-to-treat organic waste, such as food waste and food by-products, to reduce environmental pollution and promote resource circulation. Beyond simple recycling, they are building a sustainable business model through upcycling, which adds new value to resources that would otherwise be discarded. Designed to revitalize Gyeonggi-do's startup ecosystem, this support program ran for approximately six months from June to December 2024, with 40 early-stage startups less than one year old participating after fierce competition. Through the 12-week intensive acceleration program, Save the Farms gained a valuable opportunity to not only advance its technology but also refine its sustainable business model and social value. Going through various processes including expert mentoring, specialized training, and IR pitching, the company received high praise from the judges for its deep insights into social value and innovative business model. As a result, it had the honor of winning the 'Grand Prize' in the ESG Social Value category at the final performance report session. In addition to winning the Grand Prize, it successfully attracted 30 million KRW in investment during the program period, securing initial growth momentum and building further anticipation for its future endeavors. Hwang In-soo, CEO of Save the Farms, stated, "Through this program, our direction of solving organic waste problems was not only firmly validated, but we also found great meaning in confirming positive reactions to our social impact." He pledged continuous efforts for environmental protection and the creation of sustainable value, vowing to grow into a company that fulfills its social responsibilities. Save the Farms' success story will serve as a model for Gyeonggi-do's pursuit of a sustainable startup ecosystem, and its significance is substantial in that it presented a successful model where innovative early-stage startups grow and connect with investment. This program is expected to contribute greatly to not only revitalizing the local economy through the discovery and nurturing of future-oriented startups but also to creating social value.