The Seoul Startup Hub has released its final report on the "Product/Service Testbed (PoC) Support Outsourcing" project. The project aimed to provide proof-of-concept (PoC) opportunities for five resident startups and increase the likelihood of business collaboration and follow-up investment through connections with leading companies.
This testbed program ran for approximately six months, from April to September 2025, and a total of five companies were selected to participate: Searchlight AI, Bang Flower Garden, Kuz Co., Ltd., Shell Corporation, and Sega Engineering. Beginning with the first kickoff day, they underwent three rounds of individual mentoring, and were also matched with leading companies specializing in their respective industries.
The mentoring group included startup and mid-sized company experts, including Venturesquare CEO Myeongseung, Gurumi, The White Communication, Acro Insight, Tech Labs, 500 Global, and Hyundai Glovis. Their intensive mentoring focused on examining each company's business model, advising on business direction, and exploring potential partnerships with government-funded projects.
In particular, participating companies received tailored support based on their different business models and growth stages. For example, Searchlight AI explored collaboration opportunities with TWC and Sports2i, focusing on its AI-based candidate discovery SaaS product. Kuz, Inc. networked with Gurumi, Treasure Hunter, and Tech Labs to discuss enhancing its video call system and global fandom strategy. Follow-up meetings and technical advice continued after the mentoring sessions, and Venturesquare conducted internal evaluations and IR feedback for these companies to recommend them for the TIPS program. According to the report, many participating companies received substantial support for commercialization through this process, and some are currently negotiating MOUs with leading companies.
The Seoul Startup Hub's PoC program stands out for its emphasis on generating follow-up results that lead to technology investment, beyond short-term demonstrations and networking. Kim Sang-hwan, director of the Seoul Startup Hub and the program's lead, stated, "We will continue to support the market entry of startups produced through the Seoul Startup Hub through mentoring and linking them with leading companies. We will also foster growth by attracting additional investment." He also announced plans to expand to include global expansion support next year.
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