Pusan National University (PNU) was selected as one of the ‘Start-Up Centered Universities, which supports for start-up work of youth for five years.

On February 14th, the Ministry of SMEs and Start-ups (MSS) announced that six universities, including PNU, were chosen for the first ‘Start-Up Centered University’ this year.

The goal for a ‘Start-Up Centered University’ is to carry out and spread the enthusiasm of start-ups not only within the university but also outside of PNU, and also to promote a base of local youth innovative start-ups by improving the start-up ecosystem.

Last December, PNU, Hanyang University, Hoseo University, Jeonbuk university, Gangwon National University, and Daegu University were chosen after getting the highest score in limited areas, out of 27 universities which applied for the special status. 

PNU has a background of executing start-up support projects wonderfully, such as start-up leading university, preliminary start-up packages, early start-up packages, and more works with the Start-up Support Team of 2017, and has played a role as a representative start-up support organization of the region. 

PNU is planning to support youths of the southeast area and start-up enterprises based on the start-up support capabilities and know-how that accumulated over the years by collaborating organizationally with Local Small and Medium Business Administration, regional universities, enterprises, and Center for Creative Economy and Innovation. Especially, the expectations are getting attention in establishing a comprehensive support system for start-up cycle. Also, a jump to a youth start-up hub of the southeast region with expanded financial resources (7.5 billion won by government, 200 million won by Busan city, and 300 million won by PNU), and infrastructures is expected too.

Choi Won-Young (Busan Small and Medium Business Administration) said, “Due to the poor start-up ecosystem in the local area, the issue of young people moving to other regions is getting serious. With this PNU, one of the ‘Start-Up Centered Universities,’ I hope that young people in this region will be able to reach their dreams and passions.”

By Im Ha-Eun, Reporter

Translated by Yun Chae-Eun, Reporter