Kim Young-rok: “Incheon Must Pioneer Its Own Future Industry Model”
- 넥스트챌린지 재단법인
- Sep 17, 2025
- 2 min read
"A single well-nurtured startup can power the economy of Incheon.We need to create high-quality jobs and build an Incheon-style future industry model based on compelling ideas."
So said Kim Young-rok, CEO of the Next Challenge Foundation, during a keynote lecture at the 38th Incheon Industrial Complex CEO Academy, held on the morning of the 17th at Gyeongwonjae, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon.
"In today’s era of idea-driven capitalism, a shift in perspective is essential," Kim emphasized."If we can shape even one good idea into reality, Incheon—full of potential—can achieve significant growth."
Kim highlighted ten key future industries that the Incheon Metropolitan Government should focus on nurturing:
Consumer services
Distribution & commerce
Healthcare & biotech
Mobility
Finance
Software & solutions
ICT manufacturing
Real estate & leasing
Gaming, media & content
Aerospace and cryptocurrency exchanges
“These are the fields venture capitalists (VCs) are most eager to invest in,” he noted.“Incheon should prioritize these sectors when designing its startup support strategies.”
Kim also stressed the importance of building startup infrastructure across all districts of Incheon to generate high-quality employment.“In Seoul, startup infrastructure is well established and tailored to each area,” he explained.“Incheon needs similar 'startup valleys' not only in new towns like Songdo and Cheongna, but also in older city centers and university districts.”
He added, “Currently, there are 25 unicorn companies in Korea, but none in Incheon.Most university graduates aspire to work for such companies — which is why Incheon must create industries that provide meaningful, future-focused employment opportunities.”
To transform Incheon into an ecosystem of innovators, Kim emphasized the need for both refined imagination and a robust collaboration framework among industry, academia, research, and government.
“Incheon must not be a follower — it must become a leader and city of innovators,” he stated.“For innovation to flourish, all sectors—industry, academia, research, and government—must work together with refined imagination to lead these ten future-oriented industries.”
