Global Startup Network Converges on Kyungpook National University: KNU Hosts ‘MIT Global Startup Workshop (GSW)’
- Date
- 2026/03/30
- Writer
- English
- Hit
- 125
Event Marks First in Korea in 15 Years, with Over 1,200 Domestic and International Participants Meeting to Share Technology and Investment Strategies
Kyungpook National University (President Heo Young-woo) hosted the "MIT Global Startup Workshop (MIT GSW)," a world-class international entrepreneurship forum jointly organized with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The event took place from March 26 to 27 at the KNU Global Plaza in celebration of the university's 80th anniversary.
MIT GSW is a premier startup workshop led by MIT students and researchers that rotates through different host countries annually. This event marks the workshop's return to South Korea after 15 years, with the last domestic iteration held at Seoul National University in 2011. KNU successfully bid for the event to commemorate its 80th anniversary and to drive international technical exchange and global startup culture as part of its Glocal University and RISE (Regional Innovation System & Education) projects.
Under the theme “Connecting Global Innovation with Korea’s Startup Ecosystem,” the workshop drew approximately 1,200 participants. The crowd included MIT officials, domestic and international startup experts, venture capitalists, startup representatives, and university students.
The event featured a lineup of global tech leaders who shared insights into future industrial strategies, including Mark Bathe (MIT Professor of Biological Engineering), who presented on the future direction of the next-generation Silicon Valley; Lee Jong-ho (Former Minister of Science and ICT), who provided deep insights into Korea’s core industries under the theme “AI and Semiconductors in Korea;” and Tomasz Bednarz (Director at NVIDIA), who delivered a session on the latest trends in “Autonomous AI and Physical AI.”
The workshop included active panel sessions on global startup trends and investment strategies. A major highlight was the “GSW Hackathon Elevator Pitch Competition,” where aspiring entrepreneurs received professional validation for their innovative business ideas. Additionally, exhibition booths showcased KNU’s research capabilities and regional innovation models through the Glocal University and RISE projects, alongside various MIT programs.
"Hosting MIT GSW 2026 will serve as a catalyst for Kyungpook National University to expand its global cooperation network and strengthen ties with leading international institutions," said KNU President Heo Young-woo. "We expect this to be a meaningful turning point for the local startup ecosystem, providing a rare opportunity for local students and aspiring entrepreneurs to interact directly with MIT researchers, global startups, and international investors."
Kyungpook National University (President Heo Young-woo) hosted the "MIT Global Startup Workshop (MIT GSW)," a world-class international entrepreneurship forum jointly organized with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The event took place from March 26 to 27 at the KNU Global Plaza in celebration of the university's 80th anniversary.
MIT GSW is a premier startup workshop led by MIT students and researchers that rotates through different host countries annually. This event marks the workshop's return to South Korea after 15 years, with the last domestic iteration held at Seoul National University in 2011. KNU successfully bid for the event to commemorate its 80th anniversary and to drive international technical exchange and global startup culture as part of its Glocal University and RISE (Regional Innovation System & Education) projects.
Under the theme “Connecting Global Innovation with Korea’s Startup Ecosystem,” the workshop drew approximately 1,200 participants. The crowd included MIT officials, domestic and international startup experts, venture capitalists, startup representatives, and university students.
The event featured a lineup of global tech leaders who shared insights into future industrial strategies, including Mark Bathe (MIT Professor of Biological Engineering), who presented on the future direction of the next-generation Silicon Valley; Lee Jong-ho (Former Minister of Science and ICT), who provided deep insights into Korea’s core industries under the theme “AI and Semiconductors in Korea;” and Tomasz Bednarz (Director at NVIDIA), who delivered a session on the latest trends in “Autonomous AI and Physical AI.”
The workshop included active panel sessions on global startup trends and investment strategies. A major highlight was the “GSW Hackathon Elevator Pitch Competition,” where aspiring entrepreneurs received professional validation for their innovative business ideas. Additionally, exhibition booths showcased KNU’s research capabilities and regional innovation models through the Glocal University and RISE projects, alongside various MIT programs.
"Hosting MIT GSW 2026 will serve as a catalyst for Kyungpook National University to expand its global cooperation network and strengthen ties with leading international institutions," said KNU President Heo Young-woo. "We expect this to be a meaningful turning point for the local startup ecosystem, providing a rare opportunity for local students and aspiring entrepreneurs to interact directly with MIT researchers, global startups, and international investors."