The Innopolis Foundation (Chairman Byung-sam Kang) has launched the "Regional Growth Engine VC Investment Support Group" to foster investment in promising local companies and revitalize the regional innovation ecosystem. As part of this initiative, the group is conducting an “IR Road Trip” across various regions.

The VC Investment Support Group consists of 16 members, including special zone fund managers, capital region VCs, and local VCs. This initiative was established in response to the concentration of new venture investments in the capital region, aiming to create a sustainable network between capital-based investors and promising companies in special R&D zones across the country. It also seeks to build a collaborative model in which companies, investors, the Innopolis Foundation, and local governments work together to overcome shared challenges.

The IR Road Trip will begin in Gyeongnam on June 25–26, with further sessions planned for Daejeon, Gwangju-Jeonnam, Daegu-Gyeongbuk, Busan, Jeonbuk, and Gangwon.

The first session will be held at the Dongbang Hotel in Jinju, Gyeongnam, where 9 promising companies from the Gyeongnam region’s special zones (Gimhae, Jinju, Changwon) will deliver investment IR pitches and participate in in-depth mentoring sessions (Meet-ups) with the VC Investment Support Group.

The selected companies are active in AI, secondary batteries, bio/healthcare, and advanced materials, with 3 companies chosen from each of the three cities.

To deepen the VC group’s understanding of the local investment environment, local governments such as Gyeongsangnam-do and Jinju City will host cultural and infrastructure introductions, including a visit to the K-Entrepreneurship Center located in Jinju.

Chairman Kang Byung-sam emphasized, “Due to external challenges such as economic slowdown and rising interest rates, many regional companies are struggling to secure funding.” He added, “We aim for the IR Road Trip to serve as a bridge between local companies and investors and expand investment opportunities and benefits for startups in special R&D zones.”