The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI, President Kim Nam-kyun), the core technology institution of the Changwon Small but Strong Special Zone in Gyeongnam, is launching a full-scale support program for local entrepreneurs.

The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute announced that it is recruiting applicants for the 'Innopolis Campus KERITOR 4th Cohort' until May 19 and for the 'Regional Specialization Development Project' until May 26.

The 'Innopolis Campus' project is a program that discovers prospective entrepreneurs or early-stage entrepreneurs with less than three years of experience who possess innovative items and technologies, and supports them through all stages leading to a successful startup. Partnering with Gyeongnam Venture Investment, the only startup investment firm in Gyeongnam, we support not only the expansion of direct and indirect investment opportunities to accelerate corporate growth but also global expansion.

The 4th cohort of 'KERITOR (KERI+accelerator)', which will be working with Innopolis Campus this year, is scheduled to receive a customized 'KERI-MATE' program that is practically necessary for startups and corporate growth, including item diagnosis and verification (showcase, IR material editing), diversified consulting tailored to founders, investment linkage with specialized institutions, technology commercialization, and opportunities to participate in regional projects.

The 'Regional Specialization Development Project' is a program designed to foster local companies into 'Changwon-type small giants' by resolving technical difficulties and supporting commercialization. The project is broadly divided into two sections: the 'Tech-Up' section, which provides one-stop support from product concept setting to commercialization, and the 'Value-Up' section, which supports the growth and resolution of technical difficulties for companies in the special zone through management consulting based on corporate diagnosis, public relations and marketing, market development, and testing and certification.

Last year, a total of 31 companies benefited from the program, including product commercialization, increased sales, and internal and external awards. This year, the plan is to lead the growth and development of promising specialized companies located in the Changwon Small and Medium Enterprise Special Zone through even higher-level support programs, such as the introduction of a new track to support the scale-up of research institute companies.

The total budget for this year is 840 million won, and support of up to 50 million won per company is provided depending on the project. The recruitment targets are companies located in the Changwon Small Giant Special Zone or companies conducting business in the region with items related to the zone's specialized field, 'Intelligent Electric-based Mechanical Convergence.'

Kim Tae-hyun, Head of Strategic Policy at KERI, stated, “We will do our best to lead corporate growth by providing stage-by-stage, customized support ranging from prospective and early-stage entrepreneurs to mid-sized business owners, and to contribute to the development of the Changwon Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Special Zone and the region.”

For details on how to apply for the Innopolis Campus and the regional specialization development project, please refer to the project announcement on the Changwon Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) Special Zone website (www.madeinchangwon.com) or contact the KERI SME Special Zone Planning Office (Innopolis Campus (055-280-1063) / Regional Specialization Development Project (055-280-1165)).