The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI, President Myung Sung-ho) is embarking on full-scale support for the early settlement and growth of companies in the Small Giant Special Zones through the expansion of its Technology Startup Center.

Changwon City (Mayor Heo Seong-mu) and the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute completed the 'Technology Startup Center Expansion Project' on the 26th and held a completion ceremony.

The Changwon Small but Strong Special Zone is a key project aimed at revitalizing the local economy by applying 'intelligent electric technologies (AI, smart factories, etc.)' owned by KERI, a core technology institution, to the machinery industry to drive high value-added production through electrification.

Furthermore, it actively encourages the startup of experts with excellent ideas and items in the field, supports the early establishment of businesses and corporate growth by providing various benefits and related training, and contributes significantly to the establishment of a regional industrial innovation ecosystem.

Since the designation of the Small but Strong Special Zone in 2019, projects that have been launched in earnest have been successfully promoted, leading to a significant increase in the number of companies wishing to move into the Technology Startup Center within the research institute.

Accordingly, Changwon City and KERI Since the second half of last year, construction has been underway to expand a space with a total floor area of 458㎡ (140 pyeong) on the second floor above ground, with a total project cost of 1.05 billion won.

With the expansion of the Technology Startup Center, the number of available spaces for companies will increase from the existing 19 to 36. With the latest internal facilities and equipment also being installed, it is expected that companies in the Changwon Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Special Zone will be able to utilize KERI's advanced technology and specialized personnel more extensively in a stable working environment.

Director Myeong Seong-ho stated, “The Technology Startup Center is the only infrastructure in Gyeongnam operated by a government-funded research institute to foster startups and venture companies. It will support the entire commercialization process for companies in the Small Giant Special Zone, from technology discovery and transfer to startup and growth.” He added, “The institute promises unsparing support to ensure that excellent items in the intelligent electric field lead to productization and commercialization, contributing to the industrial development and economic revitalization of the Changwon region.”

Following the expansion of the Technology Startup Center, Changwon City and KERI plan to begin construction of the 'Tech Biz Center' within this year for an additional 70 or so companies in the Small but Strong Special Zone. The completion is targeted for 2024.

In addition, there are plans to accelerate the revitalization of the Changwon Small but Strong Special Zone by establishing various infrastructures this year, including the expansion of manufacturing AI business in partnership with the University of Waterloo in Canada, the completion of the 'Smart Innovation Center' (first half) to support process innovation companies and train manufacturing personnel, and the completion of the 'HVDC power equipment international accredited testing infrastructure' (second half) to contribute to strengthening the export competitiveness of domestic companies.

Meanwhile, over the past two years, Changwon Small but Strong Special Zone has invested a total of 11.86 billion won to carry out various projects related to 'intelligent electric-based mechanical convergence,' including technology discovery and linkage, technology transfer and commercialization, fostering small but strong technology startups, and supporting specialized growth.

As a result, achievements were made, including 35 technology transfers, fostering 21 companies in the special zone, establishing 16 research institute companies (attracting 28 by 2025), discovering and nurturing 21 startups, and supporting 143 companies. The economic ripple effect is estimated at 13.7 billion won, and it is projected that the impact will increase further as the corporate support programs stabilize and corporate growth accelerates.