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[Austin] Korean Founders Meet-up | K-Tech Pioneers
About the Event
[Austin] Korean Founders Meet-up is a founder-focused gathering and part of the 6-city K-Tech Pioneers Roadshow across the United States.
This event brings together Korean founders and operators building technology-driven startups for meaningful conversations, a featured speaker session, and open networking with peers in the local ecosystem.
In addition to the networking program, the meetup includes a short informational session introducing the K-Tech Pioneers (KTP) Program, a government-backed initiative supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT. The session is designed for founders who may be interested in exploring collaboration opportunities with Korean companies or potential pathways to engage with the Korean market.
About the K-Tech Pioneers (KTP) Program
K-Tech Pioneers (KTP) is a government-supported program designed to support highly skilled overseas Koreans and Korea-founded aspiring startup teams in advanced strategic technology sectors.
The program facilitates relocation and settlement in Korea while supporting technology-based startup formation and commercialization.
Selected teams may receive up to KRW 200 million (approx. 6 months) for commercialization through demand-driven collaboration projects, along with prize funding (KRW 350 million total scale), round-trip airfare, settlement support, corporate registration fees, and visa-related expenses.
The scope of support and eligibility criteria may vary depending on the selection results. Detailed application requirements and procedures will be explained during the info session.
K-Tech Pioneers(KTP)는 글로벌 초격차 기술 분야의 우수 고급 재외 한국인 및 한국 인재 중심의 예비 창업자(팀)을 대상으로 국내 유입·정착과 기술 기반 창업·사업화를 지원하는 프로그램입니다. 수요처 협력 프로젝트를 통한 기술 사업화 지원(약 2억원/6개월, 후속 지원 계획 수립 중)을 비롯해 상금(3.5억원 규모), 항공·체재·법인 설립 및 비자 관련 지원이 제공될 예정이며, 세부 요건은 설명회에서 안내드립니다.
For any questions regarding the event, please contact us at [email protected]
The Roadshow
The K-Tech Pioneers Roadshow will take place across six major U.S. startup hubs:
Boston, MA — March 5 (Thu)
New York, NY — March 7 (Sat)
Austin, TX — March 10 (Tue)
Seattle, WA — March 12 (Thu)
Los Angeles, CA — March 14 (Sat)
Silicon Valley, CA — March 17 (Tue)
Each city meetup is tailored to its local ecosystem while sharing a common focus on founder connection, exchange, and cross-border collaboration.
Who Should Attend
Founders and co-founders operating startups in the U.S.
Builders and operators working on technology-based businesses
Founders interested in connecting with peers in their local ecosystem
Those interested in collaboration with Korean companies or the Korean market
Agenda
Weekday Event (6:00–09:00 PM)
6:00–7:00 PM | Check-in & Networking
7:00–7:30 PM | Opening & Featured Talk (Youngmok Yun
CEO & Founder, Contoro Robotics)
7:30–7:55 PM | K-Tech Pioneers: Collaboration & Market Entry Overview & Q&A
7:55–8:00 PM | Group Photo
8:00–9:00 PM | Networking
About Speaker
Youngmok Yun
CEO & Founder, Contoro Robotics
Leading an AI-driven robotics company transforming warehouse operations by automating floor-loaded trailer and container unloading. Through a pioneering human-in-the-loop (HITL) approach, he is building and scaling real-world AI systems that achieve 99%+ operational success.
(Speakers will be announced for each city.)
About Host
Ministry of Science and ICT
The Ministry of Science and ICT is the South Korean government body responsible for national policies in science, technology, and innovation.
It supports the growth and global expansion of technology-driven startups and research-based ventures.
NIPA(National IT Industry Promotion Agency)
NIPA is a government-affiliated agency dedicated to strengthening Korea’s IT and digital industries.
It supports startups and technology companies through global programs, partnerships, and commercialization initiatives.
KIC Silicon Valley
KIC Silicon Valley is a global innovation hub connecting Korean startups with the U.S. startup ecosystem.
It supports cross-border collaboration, market entry, and partnerships between Korea and the United States.