Seoul Global Center to co-host startup demo day

Seoul Global Center is running a demo day for new expat-run startups, as well as offering incubation offices to fledgling companies.

A Big Think is a demo day for expats with tech-related business ideas who are in search of a startup visa. Would-be entrepreneurs are invited to submit their plans, with selected applicants going on to pitch their ideas at the event itself on June 29.

The best pitch will win 1 million won ($950) and free office space for a year. The winner, along with second and third place pitches, will also receive points for a startup visa, consulting from the Korea Invention Promotion Association, and additional business consulting from the Seoul Global Center and the Korea Productivity Center, which are co-hosting the event with KIPA.

Second and third prizes of 300,000 won and 200,000 won will also be awarded.

The event is open to foreign residents or teams with at least one foreign member, and applications are open until June 15.

Meanwhile, the center is also taking applications for incubation offices. Startups looking to use one of the free incubation offices must have a valid visa and have been formed since July 1.

Around eight companies will be selected to receive office space in the SGC building in Jongno or the Gangnam Global Business Center in Coex, southern Seoul.

Applications are open until June 4.

Details of both programs are available at global.seoul.go.kr.

(paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)