Mercedes-Benz Korea's 'Startup Autobahn' 2025 program is starting. As the first phase, it will recruit 10 promising corporations.
The Mercedes-Benz Korea's promising startup nurturing program 'Startup Autobahn Korea (STARTUP AUTOBAHN Korea) 2025' is the sixth annual event held in the country. It will recruit 10 corporations to participate in the 100-day program by June 8.
Startup Autobahn is a global open innovation platform that was initiated by the Mercedes-Benz Group headquarters in 2016 to discover promising startups and establish cooperative systems. It was first introduced in Korea in 2020 as 'Startup Autobahn Korea' and has been held annually.
Every year, new partner corporations or cooperating organizations join Startup Autobahn Korea to provide promising startups with substantial growth momentum. This year, Viva Republica, the operator of Toss, is participating as a new operating partner, and existing collaborating organizations such as the Korea International Trade Association and the Seoul Economic Promotion Agency continue to support mentoring, networking, and investment opportunities for nurturing promising corporations in the country.
Any startup wishing for practical technology verification (PoC) and real business linkage experience in various fields such as AI, mobility, digital, sustainability, and fintech can apply for this program. A maximum of 10 corporations will be selected through processes like project pitching and judging scheduled for June.
Selected startups will undergo regular mentoring with industry experts and engineers, technology verification through various technical support and nurturing programs, and will present their final project results at the 'Expo Day' in December.
Additionally, startups participating in the program can experience opportunities for joint project implementation and systematic strategy establishment with partner corporations, as well as potentially launching actual products or going abroad depending on project outcomes.
Matthias Beitl, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea, noted, "I feel very meaningful that through Startup Autobahn Korea, we can help the growth and global advancement of promising startups in Korea and contribute to creating a startup ecosystem that grows together. I hope many promising startups participate this year to showcase their excellent technology and seize the opportunity to expand globally."
Mercedes-Benz Korea has nurtured 53 corporations through 'Startup Autobahn Korea' and has also provided opportunities such as participation in the headquarters Startup Autobahn program and overseas exploration for more than 20 other corporations, supporting the discovery of global capabilities and collaboration opportunities.
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