Ewha and Konkuk University Successfully Co-Hosted ‘EK Start-up Conference 2024’
- Date2024.10.30
- 23532
The ‘EK Start-up Conference 2024’ was successfully concluded last October 25th at TIPS TOWN in Seoul. This conference was co-hosted by Ewha Womans University and Konkuk University, based on the cooperation between the two universities’ academic partnership, under the theme of ‘Recreating the value of technology-based research outcomes through the establishment of an open industry-academia collaboration ecosystem’.
Ewha and Konkuk University have been working together for three years under the Ministry of Science and ICT’s ‘Technology Management Commercialization(TMC) project’ to operate various programs aimed at strengthening the capabilities of their subsidiaries and lab start-ups. Now in its third year, the EK Start-up Conference was attended by over 60 representatives from start-ups, investment institutions, and VC firms, and included joint IR presentations, mentoring sessions, and panel discussions.
Joint IR and Tailored Mentoring, Practical Support for Entrepreneurs
During the joint IR session, subsidiaries of the technology holdings from both universities presented their business models and investment plans, creating a direct dialogue platform with venture investors. This provided start-ups with opportunities to attract investment, expand their networks, and refine their market entry strategies.
The mentoring session featured experts from various fields, such as financial planning, legal affairs, taxation, investment, labor, and intellectual property. These specialists provided one-on-one tailored advice, offering practical guidance and support entrepreneurs need. Through the mentoring program, participants gained essential knowledge required in the early stages of start-up development and laid the groundwork for increasing their chances of success in the start-up ecosystem.
The panel talk session brought together experts from six essential areas of entrepreneurship and investment. They shared their knowledge and experiences vital for early-stage start-ups. This session provided participants with deep insights into key topics and enabled them to explore diverse ideas and strategies necessary for future business development and growth.
This EK Start-up Conference 2024 served as a crucial networking event for enhancing entrepreneurial capabilities and supporting growth. It provided valuable information and knowledge while also providing opportunities for interaction and collaboration. Both Ewha and Konkuk University evaluated the event as a platform for sharing their passion for entrepreneurship and innovation while strengthening cooperation between the two institutions. Looking ahead, the two universities plan to continue fostering an open industry-academia collaboration ecosystem and contribute to revitalizing an innovative start-up ecosystem through sustained partnerships and exchanges.
Lee Joon-seong, head of the Ewha Industry-Academia Collaboration Foundation, stated, "Under the slogan 'RISE with EK,' we hope this event becomes a hub of innovation where universities and companies in the Seoul area come together, opening new possibilities for start-ups and industry-academic collaboration."