KOSCOM Launches IT Startup Idea Contest for People with Disabilities

KOSCOM is launching the 3rd IT Startup Idea Contest for People with Disabilities to discover talented individuals and provide practical support for business commercialization in the IT sector.

Koscom.

This contest is designed to expand entrepreneurial opportunities for people with disabilities and provide practical support for business commercialization. It will be held in partnership with Purme Foundation, a welfare-focused foundation for people with disabilities.

KOSCOM will provide a total donation of 70 million won this year, an increase of 20 million won compared to last year. The purpose is to go beyond one-time support and develop a sustainable social contribution model.

Notably, this year KOSCOM has moved away from the previous single selection system and introduced a dual-track system with a “Challenge Track” and a “Leap Track” according to the stage of startup development. The plan is to support not only new startup teams but also the continued growth of existing participants, thereby aiding in practical commercialization and successful market entry.

The contest will proceed in the following order: promotion and recruitment, evaluation and selection, startup consulting, and Demo Day. Six teams will be selected as finalists and will receive startup funding as well as participation in a professional mentoring program.

With the introduction of Demo Day, the contest will further strengthen the recognition of outstanding teams and the sharing of achievements. A variety of IT startup ideas have participated, including AI-based customized assistive device analysis and simulation services, and services to improve accessibility to performances for people with disabilities.

Previously, through the 1st and 2nd contests, KOSCOM supported a range of startup teams, including a recruitment platform for people with disabilities, an automated Braille translation service, and a rare disease gene data platform. Some teams have achieved sales, patent registrations, and international collaboration for overseas expansion.

A KOSCOM representative stated, "We will continue to strengthen our sustainable startup support system so that we can make a real difference in promoting the economic independence and social participation of people with disabilities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.