KIU produces the largest amount of start-up business venture founders which was 187 people, and has the highest ratio among universities considering the number of graduate students from KIU. KIU’s campus has become a type of factory for producing start-up businesses. Students can make trial manufactured goods using 3D printers, laser cutting machinery and they can even produce completed products. The Korea Technology Finance Corporation Chairperson, Kim Han Chul said, “Students can strengthen their minds to face challenges and reduce trial errors through KIU’s systematic support system and existing networks between seniors and juniors.”

-Excerpt from Chungang Daily Newspaper, dated 22ndofOctober-

Kim Gwang Tae, a graduate of KIU, produces automatic switchgears for fire doors and happens to visit KIU whenever he faces difficulties. He meets his respected professor, Lim Sung Un to ask for some advice. Kang Duk Il, a KIU start-up business consultant, came from the Korea Technology Finance Corporation provides him with information about management techniques and for attracting investment. The mentoring service has been available since 2007 and has been active for nine consecutive years. Also, Kim’s company used to produce goods at school until quite recently. Kim said, “It is not easy for engineers to manage their own business after starting-up but I’ve recieved many help from two mentors and wouldn’t have been able to achieve without the help I’ve received from KIU.”

Amazingly, 187 founders have come from KIU and when considering that the number of its graduates is under 1000, KIU has the highest ratio of venture founders. Also, it has the largest number of students who participate in start-up business goaled clubs which is around 846.

To be successful in a business start-up, it is important for various groups to help and work together, including the universities which teach classes about start-up businesses, the professors and alumni who consult and provide advice on technology development and company management. This is the conclusion the Chungang Daily Newpaper and Korea Technology Finance Corporation discovered after an in depth study of 1,000 venture founders’ affiliated colleges.

Ko Hye Jin who founded a product design company last month said, “Taking classes that allowed me to make products with my own ideas gave me confidence. After taking these classes, I’ve given sincere mentoring from professors and professionals so I could start my own business.”