"Accelerators are investing in and nurturing startups that are changing the world."
Jeon Hwa-seong, CEO of CNTTech, said this at C Forum 2026 held at CGV Wangsimni in Seoul on the 2nd, emphasizing the role and importance of accelerators in the startup ecosystem.
Jointly hosted by CNTTech and ChosunBiz, C Forum is an event where members of the innovation ecosystem—including startups, investors, large corporations, public institutions, universities, and policy organizations—gather in one place to discuss the future of industry with "Connect, Collaborate, Create" as its core values. Marking its fourth year, this forum brought together founders, investors, and accelerator officials to share the present and future of the startup ecosystem.
The highlight of this forum was the screening of the original film "Batch: Growth." Set against the startup ecosystem, the film realistically portrayed the processes of founding, investment, accelerating, team building, failure, and trying again. In particular, it shed light on the meaning of startup growth through the perspectives of various ecosystem members, including not only founders but also investors, reviewers, accelerators, and operating staff.
After the screening, CEO Jeon Hwa-seong, who directed the film, spoke with attendees and shared the background of the production and thoughts on the startup ecosystem.
Jeon said, "Not only startup founders but also accelerators and investors who help grow their dreams are key members of Korea's startup ecosystem," adding, "They must grow together for a healthy founding ecosystem to take shape."
Jeon also said, "CNTTech discovers, invests in, and nurtures innovative startups across diverse fields such as Foodtech, robots, AI, and bio/health," adding, "We will continue to actively support technology-based startups so they can grow into the global market."
Jeon also emphasized the "venture studio" model, which goes beyond a simple investment and nurturing institution to directly design business models and discover corporations. He explained, "If general accelerating is about growing companies that already exist, a venture studio is a 'company building' concept that creates new companies."
This forum departed from the traditional one-way lecture format and proceeded as an interactive event where attendees freely exchanged opinions. Startup CEOs and executives and employees, investors, and accelerator officials asked questions about recent changes in the investment market, the role of accelerators, and trends in the founding ecosystem, and Jeon shared various views based on on-site experience.
At the end of the event, organizers also revealed a plan to unveil the sequel "Batch 2" at C Forum 2027, scheduled for next year.
Jeon said, "We are filming you at this very moment," adding, "All of you are key players in the growth of Korea's startup ecosystem and will be the protagonists of 'Batch 2' to be released next year."