Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) and its Graduate School of Global Entrepreneurship and Venture (Dean Lee Woo Jin) hosted the “2026 Sports Industry Startup Demo Day” on Friday, November 6, at the Seoul Startup Hub in Gongdeok.
 
The Graduate School of Global Entrepreneurship and Venture at Kookmin University identifies promising startups in the sports industry and operates various support programs, from the early stages of startup formation through commercialization and growth. This event was organized to share the commercialization achievements of participating companies and to explore opportunities for follow-up investment through networking with investment experts.
 
Eight startups in the sports industry participated in the event, presenting their technologies, business models, market entry strategies, and future business expansion plans. In particular, startup projects that integrated cutting-edge technologies into various fields—such as artificial intelligence (AI), sports data analysis, digital platforms, athlete management, and recreational sports services—were introduced.
 
The participating companies showcased a variety of business ideas, including: ▲ an integrated sports center management platform; ▲ an all-in-one badminton platform and an AI sports video analysis system; ▲ an AI solution for automated sports video analysis; ▲ an AI-based SaaS platform for athlete wellness management; ▲ buoyancy aids for water sports; ▲ an AI posture comparison and correction service using smartphones; ▲an AI-based smart self-diagnostic solution for futsal fields ▲a customized esports instructor matching platform, among other business ideas.
 
Following the company presentations, one-on-one investment consultation sessions were held for companies seeking investment. Participating companies discussed commercialization strategies, preparation for securing investment, and future growth plans with investment experts. Meanwhile, a total of 204 companies applied for the 2026 Sports Industry Startup Support Program, with 15 companies ultimately selected, resulting in a competition ratio of 13.6 to 1. Kookmin University’s Graduate School of Global Entrepreneurship and Venture Business has been operating programs tailored to the growth stages and needs of the selected companies, including startup education, sports industry AX and DX seminars, customer validation, sales channel development, and AI consulting.

As a result, as of October 30, the cumulative revenue of the 15 supported companies totaled 7.55 billion won, and the number of employees increased from 43 the previous year to 49. The number of intellectual property applications and registrations also rose from 7 the previous year to 19, demonstrating achievements in commercialization and technological competitiveness.
 
Professor Kim Jongtaek, Director of the Graduate School of Global Entrepreneurship and Venture at Kookmin University, stated, “The Graduate School of Global Entrepreneurship and Venture aims to serve as a platform that integrates startup education, investment, and the industrial sector.” He added, “We will expand specialized startup support across various fields, including the sports industry startup support program, to ensure that startups that have grown alongside the graduate school can expand into the global market.”