JBNU has partnered with POSCO Holdings to begin substantive discussions on jointly establishing an Entrepreneurship Center to revitalize the startup ecosystem in Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province.

JBNU held a meeting with POSCO Holdings on July 6 at the University Headquarters and said the two parties broadly discussed the direction for creating an Industry–University Cooperation-based Entrepreneurship Center (tentative name) and cooperation measures to establish a regional innovation startup hub.

The meeting was attended by Yang O-bong, President, and Kim Ki-su, Executive Vice President of POSCO Holdings, along with other senior officials from both organizations. They shared the basic direction for establishing the Entrepreneurship Center and cooperation on its operation, and examined in depth measures to enhance the entrepreneurship support system.

In particular, they exchanged views on strengthening the regional youth startup ecosystem, nurturing future talent, and building a win‑win model involving local communities and major corporations.

The Entrepreneurship Center discussed in detail at the meeting is envisioned as a collaborative platform that links JBNU’s research and educational strengths with POSCO Holdings’ industrial expertise, technology networks, and open innovation resources to cover the entire startup lifecycle.

The plan is to organically connect entrepreneurship education, business incubation, investment linkage, technology commercialization, and Industry–University collaborative projects to create a foundation where students, researchers, and local startup companies can grow together.

Both organizations will keep open various options, including remodeling existing Business Incubators or constructing new facilities, and will jointly explore measures that can make a practical contribution to cultivating region-based deep‑tech startups and creating jobs for young people. Through this, they plan to establish a regional innovation startup hub in the Jeonbuk area and explore the possibility of creating a POSCO-style Industry–University Cooperation talent and venture platform.

JBNU has long worked to strengthen the entrepreneurial capabilities of students and faculty and to activate technology startups through various support systems such as the startup-centered university project, technology startup studios, and the operation of Business Incubators.

POSCO Holdings has likewise continued efforts to discover future new businesses, foster the venture and startup ecosystem, and expand Industry–University Cooperation, so this collaboration is expected to serve as an opportunity to spread region-based innovation startup models.

Yang O-bong, President, stated, “Universities are key hubs that lead regional and national innovation based on outstanding talent and research outcomes. Through cooperation with POSCO Holdings, we will actively inject new vitality into the regional entrepreneurship ecosystem and work to ensure that excellent ideas from students and researchers lead to startups and technology commercialization.”

Kim Ki-su, Executive Vice President of POSCO Holdings, said, “A university’s research capabilities and creative talent form an important foundation for future industrial competitiveness. Through cooperation with JBNU, we will strive to create a sustainable win‑win model in the areas of startups, technology commercialization, and Industry–University Cooperation.”

Meanwhile, JBNU and POSCO Holdings plan to continue consulting on concrete cooperation measures related to the joint Entrepreneurship Center following this meeting, and to gradually expand the collaborative foundation for developing the regional startup ecosystem and nurturing the innovative talent that will lead future industries.