The Seoul Startup Center Gwanak, in partnership with SK Eco Plant, is accepting applications until October 11 for the “2026 Seoul Startup Center Gwanak × SK Eco Plant Open Innovation Program,” which identifies startups in the semiconductor, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics sectors and supports joint technology development and pilot testing.
The Seoul Startup Center Gwanak announced on September 18 that it will select two startups based in Seoul that have been in operation for seven years or less. Companies in 27 emerging industries—including artificial intelligence, big data, system semiconductors, rechargeable batteries, and quantum technology—may apply if they have been in operation for up to 10 years. Eligibility applies not only to companies with headquarters in Seoul but also to those with branch offices or research centers in the city.
The new industry sectors include artificial intelligence, big data, 5G+, blockchain, service platforms, immersive content, intelligent robots, smart manufacturing, system semiconductors, autonomous vehicles, electric and hydrogen vehicles, biotechnology, medical devices, functional foods, drones and personal mobility devices, next-generation ships, disaster and safety, smart cities, smart homes, renewable energy, rechargeable batteries, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), resource circulation and energy recycling, space, next-generation nuclear power, quantum technology, and cybersecurity.
The call for proposals covers the seven fields proposed by SK Eco Plant. Included are technologies to enhance productivity and safety at semiconductor manufacturing facility construction sites; technologies to improve semiconductor processes; semiconductor water treatment and recycling technologies, such as ultrapure water supply; and technologies for the treatment and recycling of semiconductor wastewater sludge, including waste acid, hydrofluoric acid, and sulfuric acid. Also eligible are technologies applicable to AI data centers, robotics and AI solutions for construction sites, and eco-friendly and energy technologies applicable to multi-family housing.
Selected companies will receive 10 million won in commercialization support funds. These funds can be used for technology development costs and proof-of-concept (PoC) funding, excluding personnel expenses. In addition, they will collaborate with SK Eco Plant on joint technology development and PoC, receiving support for business diagnostics, market research, customer validation, consulting based on pilot results, and the preparation of company-specific results reports. The project period is approximately four months, from September through December.
Evaluation is based on a 100-point scale, with 20 points for business understanding, 30 points for project specificity, 30 points for feasibility, and 20 points for collaboration potential. The evaluation assesses the necessity of open innovation and the implementation framework, the specificity of the collaborative project’s deliverables and the realism of their implementation difficulty, as well as mutual needs and the potential for generating results.
The schedule includes a document review from October 12 to 14, followed by one-on-one meetups with SK Eco Plant on October 19, and follow-up support from late October through early December.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on October 11 via the “Startup Services – Accelerating” menu on the Seoul Startup Center Gwanak Platform, along with the application form, business plan, business registration certificate, and a certificate confirming the applicant’s status as a startup or small and medium-sized enterprise (SME). Companies with delinquent national or local tax payments, companies in default, or companies that are suspended or closed are ineligible to apply. A letter of recommendation from a specialized startup support organization is optional.
The Center stated that if any submitted documents are found to contain plagiarism, false information, or omissions, it may exclude applicants from selection, revoke selection, or recover grant funds, regardless of whether the selection has been made or not. The contents of the submitted proposals will be kept confidential during the reception and review process; however, applicants may face disadvantages in the evaluation if it is revealed that they have caused social controversy due to issues such as unpaid wages, workplace accidents, or unfair business practices.
