Nominations and applications open through July 24

Five recipients to be chosen in October, honored at November venture entrepreneur ceremony

Winners receive operating fund support, credit guarantee benefits for three years

The Busan Outstanding Venture Entrepreneur Award ceremony for the New Technology Innovation Award, held at Grand Moment Youth Hostel in November last year [Provided by Busan city government]
The Busan Outstanding Venture Entrepreneur Award ceremony for the New Technology Innovation Award, held at Grand Moment Youth Hostel in November last year [Provided by Busan city government]

The Busan city government announced Thursday that it is accepting nominations and applications for the 2026 Outstanding Busan Venture Entrepreneur Award through July 24.

Recipients will receive a certificate of recognition along with three years of support under the city's ordinance on entrepreneur recognition and business promotion — including operating and development funds for small and medium-sized enterprises and special credit guarantee benefits.

To be eligible, applicants must hold active venture company certification under the Special Act on Fostering Venture Businesses as of the application date, and must meet two conditions: the company must have been established for at least three years and must have been based in Busan for at least one year. The city plans to select five company representatives who demonstrate outstanding innovation, technology, growth potential and future value.

Guidelines are posted on the city's official website under public notices (www.busan.go.kr/nbgosi). Venture entrepreneurs may apply directly, or district and county offices, organizations, associations and other relevant bodies may submit referrals, all by July 24.

The city will conduct document screening and on-site company evaluations, then convene a merit deliberation committee before selecting five recipients in October. Awards will be presented at the Venture Entrepreneur Day ceremony in November.

Now in its 27th year since launching in 2000, the program has recognized 135 individuals to date. Last year's honorees were Kim Andre of Korea Liposome Co., Yang Jae-wook of iBioKorea Co., Kim Jeong-su of Ezgeo Co., Song Jong-won of Somuna Co. and Bae Ho-jin of Sandberg Co.

Lee Jin-su, the city's director of financial and startup policy, called it "a meaningful award for innovative entrepreneurs who have contributed to vitalizing the venture ecosystem," and urged venture entrepreneurs leading Busan's economy and shaping its future to participate.


kaf2002@heraldcorp.com