Korea SMEs and Startups Agency extends support for Young Entrepreneurs Academy graduates through October

The Korea SMEs and Startups Agency is rolling out a series of follow-on growth support programs for companies enrolled in and graduated from its Young Entrepreneurs Academy, covering AI transformation education, investment attraction and market access.

The agency announced Thursday it will run three consecutive events for Young Entrepreneurs Academy companies: "Cheongsudong Day" and a Demo Day in September, followed by "Prom-Day" in October. The programs are designed to link companies with industry education, networking, investment opportunities and market validation tailored to each firm's stage of growth.

The first event, Cheongsudong Day, was held Wednesday at the Young Entrepreneurs Academy's main campus in Ansan. The alumni networking event brought together startups from the Greater Seoul area that had gone through the program.

AI adoption in the face of a rapidly shifting business environment was the central theme. Expert sessions covered physical AI and digital transformation for small and medium-sized enterprises, manufacturing AI transformation using patented technologies and ways to boost corporate value, and changes in marketing in the AI era — including search engine optimization and generative engine optimization strategies.

On Sept. 18, the same venue will host a Demo Day focused on investment attraction. Thirty startups that participated in the academy's investor relations coaching program will present their business models and growth strategies, with investment professionals conducting question-and-answer sessions and providing feedback. The agency said it aims to "strengthen companies' IR capabilities and explore pathways to actual follow-on investment."

In October, the agency will hold Prom-Day for companies approaching graduation — named after the American high school prom. The event will feature briefings on agency support programs, networking between experts and startups, and sessions on market validation and sales channel development.

Im Ji-hyeon, principal of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, said the agency will "prepare a range of exchange and growth programs so that Young Entrepreneurs Academy companies can share their experiences and capabilities with one another and translate that into investment attraction and sustained growth."