The Industry-Academia Cooperation Foundation at Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) hosted the “2026 KMU Startup Networking Day” on Tuesday, September 15, at The Plaza Hotel Seoul. This event was organized to enable Kookmin University to support startups beyond their initial discovery phase and into the practical scale-up stage.
 
The event was attended by approximately 70 representatives from about 35 startups and startup support organizations, including startups founded by Kookmin University faculty and students, subsidiaries of Kookmin University Technology Holding Co., Ltd., and companies based in Kookmin University’s Campus Town, as well as the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund, Mineta Brook Ventures, and Jiwon Patent Law Firm.

△ Photo: 2026 KMU Startup Networking Day

The program consisted of invited lectures and networking sessions designed to support the practical scaling up of promising startups. Kim Ji-cheol, co-CEO of Mineta Brook Ventures, delivered a lecture titled “Strategies for Securing Investment and Enhancing Corporate Value for Startups,” while co-CEO Koo Tae-hoon spoke on “Global Investment Market Trends and Strategies for Attracting Overseas Venture Capital,” sharing key strategies necessary for startups to secure investment and achieve growth. Through presentations covering not only domestic investment strategies but also overseas expansion, they outlined support directions tailored to the various growth stages of startups.
 
During the dinner and networking session that followed the presentations, participating companies shared their business models and operational experiences and explored opportunities for collaboration, such as attracting new investments and pursuing joint ventures. This facilitated expanded exchanges among companies, investment institutions, and startup support organizations, and provided a platform to discuss future investment and business collaboration opportunities.
 
Sohn JinSik, Vice President for Planning at Kookmin University (Head of the Industry-Academia Cooperation Division), stated, “Kookmin University has continuously strengthened its support system covering the entire lifecycle of startups, from discovery to investment and growth.” He added, “Going forward, Kookmin University Technology Holdings will continue to serve as a bridge connecting the university, companies, and the investment market, actively supporting the scaling up and global expansion of promising startups.”
 
Attendees at the event included Sohn JinSik, Vice President for Planning; Jang Hyun-soo, Deputy Director of the Anchor Business Unit; Kim Jong-sung, Director of the Campus Town Business Unit; Seo Jun-kyung, Head of the Investment Division at Kookmin University Technology Holding; Jang Wook-jin, Labor Director at the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund; Ko Kyung-hee, Deputy Branch Manager at the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund; Shim Seong-ryeol, Managing Patent Attorney at Jiwon Patent Law Firm; and Kang Cheon-su, Head of the Commercialization Strategy Office at Kyung Hee University Technology Holding.
 
Meanwhile, Kookmin University is expanding its scale-up-focused support programs—including investment connections, networking, and support for overseas expansion—to help startups move beyond the early stages and achieve stable growth. The university plans to continue developing support measures that promote inter-company exchange and attract investment.

△ Photo: Poster for the 2026 KMU Startup Networking Day