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Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the industrial complex... Located in the heart of Seoul as the 'K Manufacturing Hub,' the Seoul Digital Industrial Complex ambitiously launched the KICXUP project last year to facilitate communication and collaboration between startups and medium-sized enterprises.

Companies cannot grow alone. They need allies to grow much more easily and quickly. The Seoul Digital National Industrial Complex, located in Guro-gu, Seoul, has established the KICXUP program to create a genuine communication platform within the industrial complex to support the growth of newly established companies.

KICXUP signifies open innovation between the industrial complex and startups, where each party exchanges information and ideas for mutual growth. Startups located in KICXUP, a dedicated office space for startups within the Seoul Industrial Complex, grow through collaborations with demand companies such as large corporations and medium-sized enterprises. The demand companies include major players like Beisung Education and LG Uplus.

Recently, when a reporter visited KICXUP, it resembled typical shared office spaces. There were rows of office spaces next to a lounge where employees could relax. However, the representatives of the resident companies unanimously pointed out that the biggest strength of KICXUP is its role as a true communication platform among companies.

KICXUP Networking Effect is Evident... MOUs with Major Companies

Song Pil-jae, CEO of SacoLink, who moved into KICXUP on January 1 this year, shared with Maeil Business News that “general shared offices host companies from both traditional and new industries, making communication among companies difficult. KICXUP, however, gathers companies engaged in similar or technologically advanced industries, making networking much easier.” SacoLink, established in 2017, is a startup that assists in damage assessments for traffic accident victims using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and it is growing by gaining insights into the constantly changing trends in the AI industry through communication with demand companies.

Song believes that effective networking allows for the sharing of information related to government support projects and high-skilled recruitment. He has actively networked, including signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hwang Gi-yeon, CEO of Gongka, whom he met during the KICXUP orientation.

Gauss Lab, which moved in last March, is also benefiting significantly from KICXUP. Founded in 2020, Gauss Lab develops industrial augmented reality and virtual reality solutions that assist in visual inspections on industrial sites. They are currently pursuing an MOU with TG Consulting, a management consulting firm within the Seoul Industrial Complex, related to Vietnam's Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects.

“Located in the Heart of Seoul, It's Easy to Communicate with Citizens”

The networking strength highlighted by company representatives is not limited to inter-company networking. It is also optimized for communication with the general public. Both CEOs, Song and Lee, noted that “although not many companies have moved in yet, KICXUP is located inside an outlet building in the heart of Seoul, making it pleasant, clean, and easily accessible for communication with the general public, unlike typical industrial complexes.” They forecast a bright future for KICXUP.

In fact, when the reporter climbed to the rooftop of KICXUP on the 8th floor and looked down at the scenery, it was apparent that there is a dense cluster of knowledge industry centers in front, along with many gathering spaces like shopping malls on the side, making it highly efficient in terms of accessibility.

However, the representatives also believe that there are still areas that need improvement for better networking. Song emphasized that “for early-stage companies, more distinctive spaces should be available” and expressed hope for more spaces that focus on supporting companies in similar fields.

Lee added that improved networking could help resolve regional disparities. He stated, “To break the current situation where most startups are located in Gangnam, more startups need to gather within the Seoul Industrial Complex. Senior companies located in the Seoul Industrial Complex could serve as mentors to younger companies, and it would be beneficial to regularly hold technology seminars and networking events.”