National Institute for Korean Medicine Development Unveils Youth Startup Ideas... Comprehensive Support for Commercialization

A Total of 61 Teams Participate, 8 Teams Awarded Follow-up Programs Offered Including 1:1 Mentoring

The National Institute for Korean Medicine Development (President Koh Ho-yeon) has launched customized support to discover young people's creative ideas and connect them to actual startups and commercialization in the Korean medicine sector.

On August 20, the institute hosted the "2026 Korean Medicine Startup Idea Contest for University (Graduate) Students" presentation event at Land Hall in Yongsan, Seoul, and selected eight teams with outstanding final results for awards.

Provided by the National Institute for Korean Medicine Development

A total of 61 student teams from universities and graduate schools nationwide participated in the contest, which was held for one month starting June 30.

Notably, there were no restrictions on majors, resulting in a wide array of diverse, interdisciplinary ideas that incorporated not only Korean medicine but also a variety of academic fields.

Through a document review process, the institute selected 16 teams and provided practical training to help them advance their business models (BMs) and improve their presentation skills.

In addition, the institute provided tangible benefits in multiple ways, such as supporting participants in signing up for the "Original Proof of Trade Secrets Service" to help protect their intellectual property.

On the day of the presentation event, a judging panel composed of experts in Korean medicine, startups, and investment comprehensively evaluated the ideas based on nine criteria, including differentiation, technological merit, and potential for commercialization.

▲Grand Prize (prize money: 3 million KRW): Team "Wells" for their at-home silicone cupping care kit that can be attached and pressure-adjusted solo; ▲Excellence Award (prize money: 500,000 KRW each): Teams "Jugan Goldfish" and "MediMate"; ▲Merit Award (prize money: 200,000 KRW each): Teams "Jawn," "Team HMI," "Onjam," "Hyean," and "Herbrix." These award-winning teams will receive not only prizes but also follow-up support designed to help connect their achievements to actual startups.

The institute plans to systematically provide initial business validation services, including 1:1 business strategy consulting through dedicated mentors and experts, linkage with startup growth programs, and market response surveys.

Lee Hwa-dong, Director of the Industry Promotion Headquarters at the National Institute for Korean Medicine Development, stated, "Through this contest, we have confirmed the potential for Korean medicine to expand into new products and services by merging with a variety of academic disciplines and ideas," adding, "We will actively support young people to encourage their sustained interest and continued challenges in the Korean medicine industry."

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