Korea Ocean Business Corp. expands tech commercialization support for maritime startups

Korea Ocean Business Corp. (KOBC) is stepping up support for technology commercialization and growth among startups in the shipping, port and logistics sectors. Through its startup support platform "1876 Busan," the state-backed corporation plans to strengthen tailored consulting and inter-agency coordination to help maritime startups scale up.

KOBC announced Thursday that it held a first-half performance review meeting Wednesday at the Busan Port International Exhibition and Convention Center to assess the operating results of 1876 Busan and discuss growth strategies for companies in the program.

Launched in 2022 together with the Busan Port Authority, the Busan Metropolitan Government and the Korea Startup Forum, 1876 Busan is a maritime startup support platform aimed at localizing smart port technology and strengthening the competitiveness of early-stage companies.

The meeting brought together representatives from co-operating agencies — including the Busan Port Authority and the Busan Metropolitan Government — as well as Busan Techno Park and companies currently in the program. Participants shared first-half operating results and key support figures, and discussed the challenges facing member companies and ways to support their growth. The Busan Regional Industry Promotion Agency and the Busan Technology Startup Investment Agency also presented tailored support programs for local startups.

This year, KOBC plans to expand customized technology development and commercialization consulting to help member companies stabilize in their early stages and bring their technology to market. The corporation intends to match each company with specialists suited to its needs and connect it with support programs at other agencies to maximize commercialization outcomes.

"I hope this meeting serves as a meaningful springboard for the innovative growth of startups in the shipping, port and logistics sectors," KOBC President An Byung-gil said. "We will actively work with related agencies to help our member companies grow into globally competitive enterprises."