“Born2Global Center”, a Business Support Organization for Global Expansion of Startups, Is Transformed into the “Global Digital Innovation Network Foundation.”

The Ministry of Science and ICT changed the name of K-ICT Born2Global Center, a public institution under the Association for the Advancement of Information and Communications (KAIT), to ‘Global Digital Innovation Network (hereinafter GDIN)’, and held the “GDIN Opening Ceremony” at Pangyo Startup Campus on September 7.

The launch ceremony was attended by partners such as Park Yoon-gyu, Second Vice Minister of Science and ICT, Jason Allford, Director of World Bank Group Korea, H.E. Alejandro Pelaez Rodriguez, Colombian Ambassador to Korea, and Son Bu-han, CEO of Salesforce Korea. The opening ceremony was attended by more than 100 people, including the CEO of Smart Radar System and officials from companies that have received support from the foundation.

Since its establishment in 2013, Born2Global Center served as the Ministry of Science and ICT’s overseas expansion support project for innovative technology companies over the past 10 years. Previously, it operated as an affiliated organization of the Korea Association for ICT Promotion (KAIT). However, the Ministry of Science and ICT has approved a proposal for the Born2Global Center to become an independent organization specializing in overseas exports in June 2023, and Kim Jong-gap, a former director of the Born2Global Center, was appointed president of the new foundation at its founding board meeting last month.

Kim Jong-gap, president of GDIN, said that GDIN plans to create a network with companies, international organizations, and governments around the world and create a “Global Digital Road” to help startups enter overseas digital markets. GDIN plans to discover digital projects conducted by various international organizations and provide opportunities for Korean startups to advance overseas. In addition, the foundation plans to explore emerging markets such as Central and South America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, and provide support for localization of startups by utilizing various cooperation infrastructures such as a space for overseas partners and facilities for demonstration projects.

To this end, GDIN has established ‘Global Tech Studios’ with local partners in 10 countries around the world, with the goal of establishing more than 50 within 5 years.

Kim said, “We plan to provide support tailored to each country’s environment by networking with companies, institutions, and centers in each country, and many startups will receive help in entering the global market.” He added, “Just like the case of Lunit and Smart Radar System that received our support, we plan to help many more companies expand their business.”

Over the past 10 years, the Born2Global Center has supported 2,962 companies and attracted domestic and foreign investment worth more than 4.6 trillion won. Among the foundation’s member companies, Sendbird and Riiid have become global unicorns, and Lunit, Smart Radar System, and Seculetter have gone public.

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