Seoul Youth Cook Business Center Recruits 20 Food Startups

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has opened new horizons for the food business by discovering 20 young startups that will lead the future food industry! Along with the news of the final selection of resident companies for the 'Youth Cook Business Center' in 2025, CNT Tech, the operating agency, successfully concluded a vigorous orientation for the newly selected companies on April 22nd. The 'Seoul Youth Cook Project' is a core program that supports young companies in Seoul to blossom innovation in the food manufacturing and food tech sectors. It currently operates through two strong bases: the 'Youth Cook Business Center' near Konkuk University Station in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, and the 'Youth Cook Food Tech Center' near Sinpung Station in Yeongdeungpo-gu. In particular, the food manufacturing incubation project of the Youth Cook Business Center is celebrating its third year this year, demonstrating the Seoul Metropolitan Government's strong commitment to supporting youth entrepreneurship. This selection process went beyond simple document evaluation and rigorously selected the final 20 companies through presentation evaluations, including on-site tasting sessions to directly verify taste and marketability. The selected companies will be provided with state-of-the-art shared kitchens, which allow for business registration as 'ready-to-eat food manufacturing and processing businesses,' and efficient office spaces until February 2026. In addition, initial commercialization funds, 1:1 mentoring from veteran experts, online and offline product reviews for successful market entry, attractive design support, meticulous sales channel development support, and investment attraction support for growth are all generously provided to ensure startup success. Outstanding companies that demonstrate excellent performance will also receive a sweet bonus of additional commercialization funds. The products of the final 20 selected companies truly boast a diverse spectrum showcasing the present and future of K-Food. From Strange Planet's exotic basil pesto to Get in Shape's low-sugar Greek yogurt designed for health, Anna Grace's hearty grain spread, and Belly Food's convenient yet abundant Seokgalbi meal kit, as well as Yeonmidang Chueotang's Chueotang (loach soup) meal kit, are attracting attention. Furthermore, a large number of products that add joy to daily life are included, such as Sweet World's delectable bakery items, Hankki Hyukmyeong's low-sodium Ssamjang, Thanks a Million's Sujinaebe (beef tendon hotpot) meal kit, The Beans Co., Ltd.'s savory peanut butter, and Miler's special blended honey. Elevating gastronomic elegance with 21st Century Jumak's premium traditional liquor, suggesting relaxation with Nootropic Lab's relaxing drink, and pursuing a healthy lifestyle with Parady's perilla oil soba, Tinge of Soul's wellness barley hojicha, and Robecall's sugar-free liquid tea. Additionally, original and practical items such as Cellist's convenient meals, Wholesome Week's low-sugar dressing, Spoon Lab's meal kit utilizing dried radish greens, Tekkien & Raouji's unique powdered rice makgeolli, and Pobangteo Jjukkumi's deeply flavored aged gochujang are garnering consumer expectations. CNT Tech, which has been successfully leading this project for its third year since 2023, is a company that boasts unrivaled expertise in innovative fields such as startup acceleration, food tech, and smart order platforms. Through the synergy between the Seoul Metropolitan Government and CNT Tech, the Youth Cook Business Center will fully serve as an innovation engine for Korea's food industry and an incubator that turns young entrepreneurs' dreams into reality.