Gyeonggi Provincial Economic Science and Technology Promotion Agency Holds Northeast Regional University Youth Startup Challenge Demo Day

The Gyeonggi Provincial Economic Science and Technology Promotion Agency (hereinafter referred to as the Promotion Agency) announced on the 18th that it jointly held the '2026 Gyeonggi Northeast Youth Startup Challenge Demo Day' with Gyeongbuk University, Daejin University, and CHA University of Science and Technology at the Gyeonggi Startup Innovation Space Northeast Region (Guri).

This demo day served as the final program of the '2026 Gyeonggi Northeast Youth Startup Challenge,' launched for the first time this year in connection with Gyeonggi Anchor Universities in the northeast region, and was held to share achievements to date and discover outstanding young startup teams in the region.

Approximately 50 people attended the event, including Yu Tae-il, Executive Director of the Corporate Growth Division of the Promotion Agency, officials from the participating universities, investment experts, and participating teams.

Twelve teams that passed the preliminary evaluation took the demo day stage and conducted IR pitching presentations to investment experts. The participating teams showcased startup ideas that combined technology and market viability in various fields including AI, healthcare, smart farming, and intellectual property.

Investment experts evaluated the business viability of the participating teams based on business models, technological competitiveness, market potential, and growth prospects.

As a result of the judging, the Vision Award went to Gyeongbuk University's 'TEGO,' which presented the Carbon Sign road sign that captures carbon dioxide. The Innovation Award was presented to CHA University of Science and Technology's 'CHOICE,' which introduced tampons with an innovative structure to prevent menstrual leakage.

The Growth Award was given to Daejin University's 'Space On,' which presented a medical companion platform, and the Technology Award was given to Gyeongbuk University's 'Realize Soft,' which developed an AI video creation and management service. The four winning teams received awards from the Promotion Agency Director.

Earlier, the Promotion Agency and the three universities signed a memorandum of understanding in May for revitalizing the startup ecosystem in the northeast region of Gyeonggi Province. For this challenge, a total of 32 teams applied, and 21 teams selected through university evaluations participated in phase-by-phase programs from July, including business plan education, corporate diagnosis, consulting, and IR competency strengthening.

Yu Tae-il, Executive Director of the Corporate Growth Division, stated, "This youth startup challenge is a case of cooperation in which the Promotion Agency and universities in the northeast region linked their startup infrastructure and professional expertise to realize the startup ideas of local youth," and added, "Based on these results, we will review plans to expand youth startup programs in connection with Gyeonggi Anchor Universities in the province."