Chungnamdo, South Korea – April 5, 2025 – The Chungnam Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (Chungnam CCEI) has announced the call for applications for its '2025 Chungnam Tri Nexus Open Innovation' program, aimed at fostering the symbiotic growth of large and mid-sized enterprises alongside innovative startups. The application period runs until April 30th.

This initiative focuses on connecting the established infrastructure of major corporations with the novel technologies of startups. The '2025 Chungnam Tri Nexus Open Innovation' program will provide selected startups with opportunities for Proof of Concept (PoC) and commercialization funding.

A diverse range of leading South Korean companies across key industries are participating in this year's program, including:

Semiconductor/Display: SEMES, LG Display, SK ecoplant, Simmtech, Dongjin Semichem, Jastec
Mobility: Continental Automotive Electronics, Kakao Mobility, Kyungshin Group (Kyungshin, Kyungshin Cable, Kyungshin Holdings, TSA), SH-INT
Carbon Neutrality: Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd, Wilo Pump, Samyoung Chemical, Samyuk Foods
The program is open to technology-based startups within seven years of establishment that possess solutions applicable to the demand areas of the participating large and mid-sized enterprises. The selection process will involve an initial evaluation of submitted documents, followed by presentations and one-on-one meetups between the startups and relevant business units from the participating corporations.

Successful applicants will receive up to KRW 38,000,000 (approximately USD 28,000 based on current exchange rates) in commercialization (PoC) funding. This financial support can be utilized for various activities, including research and development, prototype production, and intellectual property (IP) application and registration.

Beyond financial assistance, selected startups will also benefit from opportunities for direct and indirect investment consideration, value-up acceleration programs designed to foster corporate growth, legal consultation, and access to co-working spaces.

Interested startups can find detailed information about the program and submit their applications through the Chungnam Creative Economy & Innovation Center website (under "Business Announcement") and the K-Startup website until the April 30th deadline.

A representative from Chungnam CCEI emphasized the program's focus on facilitating tangible technology verification through PoC projects with large and mid-sized companies. They expressed hope for significant interest and participation from promising startups seeking to validate their technologies and expand their businesses.