Gangwon Provincial College RISE Project Group Successfully Concludes 1st RISE Local Startup Coffee Chat

Strengthening Networking Among Local Startups, Aspiring Entrepreneurs, and Experts Operating a Regular Exchange Platform for Building a Sustainable Regional Startup Ecosystem

Gangwon Provincial College (President: Choi Jongkyun, hereafter referred to as “the college”) and its RISE Project Group (Director: Choi Geunpyo, hereafter referred to as “the project group”) held the ‘2026 1st RISE Local Startup Coffee Chat’ program on May 27 at “Hehedang,” a local startup company in Gangneung. Through this event, the college launched efforts to revitalize the local startup ecosystem and establish a cooperative network among local companies.

The RISE Project Group of Gangwon Provincial University operated the ‘2026 1st RISE Local Startup Coffee Chat’ program at the local startup company Hehedang located in Gangneung, sharing networking and cooperation strategies between local startups and prospective entrepreneurs. Provided by Gangwon Provincial University

The event was organized to foster a sustainable local startup ecosystem and activate startup networks in the region. More than 20 participants, including representatives of local startup companies, aspiring entrepreneurs, college officials, and project group staff, attended the event to share on-site entrepreneurial experiences and strategies for local business development.

In particular, the project group introduced the management direction of the Regional Creative Cube (RCC) Center and its commercialization support programs, and facilitated open communication focused on ways to establish regular networking systems and collaboration among local startups.

Hehedang, the networking venue and a monaka specialty company in Gangneung, is a local brand that modernizes traditional desserts and local ingredients. It has gained significant popularity among young people and tourists as a leading dessert company in the area.

On the day of the event, CEO Noh Hyunju shared a successful local startup case through product development, branding, and by running regionally connected content. She commented, “When starting a business in the region, the importance of networks that connect people and information becomes very clear. I hope that this Coffee Chat will become the starting point for a sustainable startup community where local companies can share experiences and cooperate with one another.”

Choi Geunpyo, Director of the RISE Project Group at Gangwon Provincial College, stated, “Connecting the college to local companies is the most important factor in revitalizing the local startup ecosystem. We will further strengthen the mentoring function between students and successful local startup CEOs to help students directly experience the possibilities and success models of entrepreneurship within the region.”

He added, “The project group plans to continuously expand its role as a startup platform where the region and the college grow together, by maintaining networks among startups and operating commercialization support programs.”

President Choi Jongkyun of Gangwon Provincial College said, “As the youth employment environment continues to worsen, entrepreneurship is emerging as both a new career path and a key alternative for settling in the region. The college will actively support students and local residents to develop both employment and entrepreneurial competencies by promoting various support policies, such as the activation of startup clubs, the ‘Startups for All’ policy for aspiring entrepreneurs, and advanced programs for adult learners who join the college after starting a business.”

Meanwhile, the college’s RISE Project Group is working to establish a region-based startup hub by operating various programs centered on the Regional Creative Cube (RCC), including startup education, networking, mentoring, prototype development, local branding, and investment linkage programs.

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