Small and medium-sized enterprise LC Tech Co., Ltd. has succeeded in developing, for the first time in Korea, a “high‑performance silicone adhesive film for u‑LED mass transfer substrates,” a product that had previously depended on supplies from the United States and Japan. This film is regarded as a core material in next‑generation display manufacturing processes. An LC Tech display manufacturing manager said, “The KRW 70 million in support from the Gyeonggi Business & Science Accelerator (GBSA) was a great help during the film development process,” adding, “We will continue to strive to contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of the domestic manufacturing industry.”

Startup Unicon Co., Ltd., which has developed ultra‑high‑speed semiconductor link technology, has also entered a full‑fledged growth trajectory using GBSA’s support as a springboard. Through GBSA’s “R&D First Step Support Program,” Unicon laid the groundwork for advancing its “12 Gbps multi‑signal transmission technology,” which replaces existing metallic wire (conductor‑based connectors) with wireless links. The total amount of investment attracted so far has reached KRW 28.5 billion.

● KRW 1.5504 trillion G‑Fund created

At the center of these achievements is GBSA’s Scale‑up Division. The division operates four teams: the G‑Fund Management Team, R&D Support Team, Growth Support Team, and ESG Support Team. Its distinguishing feature is the establishment of a comprehensive support system that organically links not only funding but also investment, technology development, manufacturing innovation, and ESG management.

The key program is the “G‑Fund.” Jointly created by GBSA and private investment firms, this investment fund for SMEs and venture companies provides capital to high‑growth‑potential businesses to support their technology development and business expansion. As of the end of last month, GBSA has created and is operating G‑Funds totaling KRW 1.5504 trillion through 26 funds. Yoo Tae‑il, Standing Executive Director for Corporate Growth at GBSA, explained, “To respond to the unstable global trade environment, including the recent strengthening of U.S. tariffs and the expansion of risks in the Middle East, we have additionally created a ‘specialized fund for export companies’ worth KRW 224.6 billion.”

Region‑specific “one‑on‑one investment consultation meetings” are also receiving positive reviews as on‑site, close‑contact support programs that directly connect companies with investment firms. A representative of a startup developing unmanned drone operation systems said, “We succeeded in attracting investment through the G‑Fund investment consultation meeting,” adding, “Based on this, we were able to accelerate not only our market entry but also our technology development.”

This year, GBSA is providing about KRW 8.0 billion in R&D funding for 53 projects to help companies secure technological competitiveness. The results of this support are also visible in figures. An analysis of 981 projects that GBSA has successfully completed showed cumulative sales performance of KRW 1.0245 trillion and 8,836 new jobs created.

● 532 star companies fostered over five years

The Growth Support Team’s programs for star companies and materials, parts, and equipment (MPE) are also producing results. Over the past five years, a total of 532 star companies have been fostered, and among them, 47 companies including BioVisu Co., Ltd. have successfully listed on KOSDAQ. In addition, 122 companies have grown into global small but strong enterprises.

Support for ESG (environment, social, governance) response is also expanding. An ESG officer at Shinhan Ceramic Co., Ltd., a ceramic manufacturing and export company, said, “Thanks to the consulting support from GBSA for responding to supply chain due diligence, we were able to pass stringent global standards and sign export contracts with overseas buyers.”

GBSA’s ESG Support Team aims this year to provide ESG diagnostic assessments for 300 companies and professional consulting for 85 companies. It is also promoting new initiatives, including support for responding to EcoVadis, a global ESG evaluation standard, and for preparing sustainability reports. GBSA President Kim Hyun‑gon said, “We will continue to strengthen on‑site, tailored support so that small and venture businesses in Gyeonggi Province can grow into unicorn companies with global competitiveness.”

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