The Jeju Creative Economy Innovation Center (CEO Lee Byeong-seon, hereinafter referred to as the Jeju Center) held a performance sharing meeting for the '2025 J Impact Innovation' program, which was promoted in collaboration with Kakao (CEO Jeong Shin-ah), on the 11th at J-Space on the 3rd floor of the Jeju Center.
"J Impact Innovation" is an open innovation project designed to address Jeju's environmental challenges with technology-based solutions. The Jeju Center and Kakao supported selected startup projects for five months, beginning in July. The program focused on demonstrating technologies in diverse fields, including climate tech, biodiversity, and resource recycling, and achieving tangible commercialization outcomes.
This year, three companies were selected for the program and received a total of 30 million won in project funding, 10 million won each. At the performance sharing session, the startups presented their projects and discussed potential follow-up collaborations with relevant organizations and investors.
Shell Corporation (CEO Eun-jin Yoo) recycles waste Tyvek from Jeju citrus farms into high-performance, eco-friendly fibers, commercializing them for camping supplies and other products. They established a collection system with local farmers and increased the value of resource circulation through demonstrations of Jeju Olle Walking Competition merchandise and RE100 camping zones.
Code of Nature (CEO Jaehong Park) used Jeju native moss and microorganisms to restore damaged oreum sites and established regular ecological restoration activities involving residents and students. They established a citizen-participatory technology demonstration model and expanded its public significance through media exposure.
VPP Lab (CEO Cha Byung-hak) supported Kakao's Jeju office's RE100 initiative, establishing a foundation for participation by local distributed renewable energy operators. Through platform demonstrations, data integration, forums, and campaign operations, the feasibility of a Jeju-specific RE100 implementation model was verified.
A Jeju Center official explained, “Technology-based startups are playing a crucial role in solving local problems and presenting practical models,” and added, “We provide tailored support for each stage of startup growth, from project planning and execution, business verification, marketing, and investment linkage.”
A Kakao representative stated, “The startup’s technological capabilities are contributing to creating sustainable value for local communities,” and added, “We plan to continue expanding collaboration with startups and local communities.”
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