Participants of the ‘Startup ESG Hackathon’ pose for a commemorative photo | Photo by Gyeonggi-do Business & Science Accelerator
The Gyeonggi-do Business & Science Accelerator (GBSA) and Gyeonggi-do hosted the ‘Startup ESG Hackathon’ on October 28 at the Gyeonggi Startup Campus. The event brought together 11 teams, including aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage startup employees, and university students, focusing on developing innovative ideas related to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles.
A hackathon, a combination of hacking and marathon, involves participants generating creative ideas and developing them into actionable solutions within a limited timeframe. This event encourages startups to propose innovative ESG solutions and discover sustainable business models.
The program included pitching consultations, ESG idea presentations by the 11 teams, and a special lecture on ESG management success stories by Seok-il Hong, CEO of Urim Bio. Over 50 stakeholders, including GBSA Startup Division Director Jong-bin Lim, investors, and industry experts, attended the event to share and discuss ESG-driven innovation.
The grand prize went to Zolv (CEO Seunghun Song), which proposed eco-friendly packaging that dissolves in water while removing residual pesticides. The first prize was awarded to ROADONE (CEO Sangwon Seon) for its road traffic infrastructure made from recycled plastic with enhanced shock absorption and support capabilities.
Second prizes were awarded to Nuvinda (CEO Hyoseok Shi), which developed a 10kW hubless in-wheel motor for electric two-wheelers, improving output and range, and Etat’H Solide (CEO Jhea-Uhg Kang), recognized for its eco-friendly foaming injection technology, which reduces plastic weight and carbon emissions.
GBSA evaluated the projects based on their purpose, necessity, feasibility, target market competitiveness, and growth potential. Winners received GBSA Director Awards and cash prizes totaling 4 million KRW, with 2 million KRW for the grand prize, 1 million KRW for the first, and 500,000 KRW for the second.
Jong-bin Lim, GBSA Startup Division Director, emphasized the importance of ESG as a critical factor for corporate survival and growth, stating, “GBSA will continue to actively support startups in ESG management and lead efforts to position Gyeonggi-do as a frontrunner in ESG initiatives.”
