YJ Sung, CEO of DAVAR (left), signs an NDA with a Volvo representative | Photo provided by Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation
Three climate tech startups nurtured by the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (GCCEI, CEO Weonkyung Kim) have signed P.O.C. (Proof of Concept) NDAs with major global corporations, marking a significant step toward entering the international market.
The NDA signings were part of the Global Program under the “Gyeonggi Climate Tech Startup Support Project.” This initiative enables Korean climate tech startups to validate their technologies through collaboration with global corporations while exploring opportunities for sustainable business growth.
DAVAR signed an NDA with Volvo, the world-renowned premium automobile manufacturer, to collaborate on eco-friendly materials. Based on Volvo’s vision of sustainable mobility, the two companies will explore applying DAVAR’s eco-friendly polyurethane foam using chemical F2F technology to automotive seat materials and other interior components.
Meanwhile, OAFE and ARAMAE MATERIALS each signed a P.O.C. NDA with Unilever, a leading global consumer goods company. OAFE’s cellulose-based biodegradable material (CBP) and ARAMAE MATERIALS’ red algae-derived nanocellulose biodegradable barrier coating have been matched with Unilever’s demand for sustainable packaging solutions, with both parties reviewing their potential use in eco-friendly packaging applications.
Through these agreements, both startups demonstrated their technological competitiveness in driving the transition to sustainable packaging within the global consumer goods market.
Following the signing ceremony, further partnership discussions were held between the startups and global corporations. Five global corporate and accelerator partners met one-on-one with ten Gyeonggi-based climate tech startups to explore tangible partnership opportunities.
Global corporate partners Radial, Unilever, and Volvo discussed potential technology applications and joint commercialization with four climate tech startups, including FirstLab. Additionally, global accelerators Greater Portland Inc. (GPI), White Castle Partners (WCP), and Sazze Partners engaged with four startups, including Replla, to explore overseas expansion strategies and future collaboration opportunities.
A GCCEI representative stated, “The NDA signings are a milestone proving that the startups fostered under the Gyeonggi Climate Tech Startup Program are being recognized globally for both their technological innovation and market potential. We will continue to strengthen partnerships with global corporations and local accelerators to help Gyeonggi-based climate tech startups grow into competitive global partners.”
