"Startups are about execution, not ideas"… Gyeongnam Innovation Center supports prospective entrepreneurs' first steps

We live in an era where success cannot be expected with a startup idea alone. For early-stage startups to establish themselves in the market, comprehensive support—including not only commercialization funds but also practical experience, networks, and mentoring—is required. The Gyeongnam Creative Economy Innovation Center held an opening event for prospective entrepreneurs selected for this year's Pre-Startup Package to mark the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey, providing an opportunity to share business direction and initial startup strategies.

The Gyeongnam Creative Economy Innovation Center held the opening day for the '2026 Pre-Startup Package,' hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Startup Foundation and sponsored by Gyeongsangnam-do, in the center's lecture hall on the 10th.

The Pre-Startup Package is a government startup support program that provides commercialization funds, startup education, and expert mentoring to prospective entrepreneurs with innovative technologies and startup ideas. The Gyeongnam Creative Economy Innovation Center supports the four teams finally selected this year throughout the entire commercialization process, helping them launch their businesses and establish themselves in the market.

This Opening Day consisted of programs that not only guided participants through business operation procedures and support programs but also shared actual startup experiences. Participants had the opportunity to understand the business implementation schedule and operational plans, as well as assess the practical skills required for the initial startup process.

At the event, Choi Won-jung, CEO of Whitech, who founded his company through the Pre-Startup Package, participated as a speaker to share the trial and error he experienced during the commercialization process, as well as his experiences in attracting investment and establishing sales channels. In the subsequent talk concert, a Q&A session followed on topics such as refining business plans, managing funds, and market validation—concerns that aspiring entrepreneurs may face during the actual startup process.

The Gyeongnam Creative Economy Innovation Center plans to continue supporting the growth of local prospective entrepreneurs through follow-up programs, such as investment linkages, mentoring, and networking, alongside commercialization support. The importance of support programs that provide practical experience and networks during the early stages of entrepreneurship is also expected to grow.