Record 463 teams compete; 17 selected across commercialization and idea categories
SLZ wins top commercialization prize for AI-based automated design system
Main prize winners eligible for startup support points and guarantees of up to 300 million won
![File photo for illustrative purposes [Getty Images Bank]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/09/16/news-p.v1.20260916.76d87bd6486c4b1ab1e7d8ac93fe50ac_P1.jpg)
A technology that uses AI to automatically design shipbuilding, marine and offshore plant facilities has won the top prize in the commercialization category of this year's ocean and fisheries startup contest. A record 463 teams competed this year, pitching startup ideas in the ocean and fisheries sector.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced Wednesday that it had selected 17 winning teams at the 2026 Ocean and Fisheries Startup Contest, with SLZ taking the top commercialization prize for its AI-based automated design system for shipbuilding and offshore plants.
The ministry has held the contest since 2015 to discover startup ideas and technologies in the ocean and fisheries sector and to support the commercialization efforts of prospective and early-stage entrepreneurs.
![Commercialization category winners at the 2026 Ocean and Fisheries Startup Contest [Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/09/16/news-p.v1.20260916.aa0756ff9552401898c17c1b1f4adf41_P1.png)
This year's contest accepted applications from June 10 to July 17, drawing a record 463 teams. After preliminary rounds and audition presentations, 17 teams were selected — seven in the commercialization category, four in the general idea category and six in the student idea category. Of those, 11 received main prizes and six received special awards.
Main prize winners will receive bonus points when applying for next year's ocean and fisheries startup investment support program. They will also be connected to preferential guarantee products offered by the Agricultural, Forestry and Fisheries Credit Guarantee Fund, with a guarantee ratio of 90 to 95 percent and a support limit of 300 million won ($223,000). The ministry will also support the production of feature articles to publicize the winning ideas.
The ministry plans to hold a "Networking Day" on Oct. 7, bringing together winning teams and startup and investment experts to share entrepreneurial experience and know-how.
Yang Young-jin, the ministry's fisheries policy director, said the government would spare no policy support to help innovative ideas translate into actual startups and businesses, creating new markets and jobs.
adastra@heraldcorp.com
