(Daejeon = News1, Reporter Kim Ki-tae) – Daejeon Metropolitan City has finalized the selection of 10 companies for the 4th cohort of its “D-Unicorn Project”, a program designed to support the growth of tech startups, and awarded plaques of recognition to the selected firms.

The ceremony, held on the 19th at the D-Unicorn Lounge in Daejeon, was attended by Mayor Lee Jang-woo, representatives from private investment firms, and around 60 participants from industry, academia, and government. The event served as an opportunity to share and encourage the growth potential of the selected companies.

Launched in 2022, the D-Unicorn Project is Daejeon’s flagship startup support initiative aimed at nurturing promising local companies with both technological strength and marketability, helping them scale into global unicorns. Each year, around 10 companies are chosen for intensive support.

The 10 companies selected for the 4th cohort are:

• SLM Co., Ltd.

• Inertia Co., Ltd.

• JJNS Co., Ltd.

• Ilias Biologics, Inc.

• Ecoin Energy Co., Ltd.

• H&Power Co., Ltd.

• Picopack Inc.

• Fine SNS Co., Ltd.

• Redwit Co., Ltd.

• Mobawheel Co., Ltd.

These companies will receive a wide range of customized support, including growth acceleration funds, priority access to dedicated spaces at the D-Unicorn Lounge, participation in investment attraction and global expansion programs, as well as tailored consulting aligned with their growth stage and strategy.

Over the past three years, the project has supported 30 companies across sectors such as biotech, energy, and ICT. Among them, five—including IntoCell Co., Ltd.—have successfully gone public on KOSDAQ, marking the initiative as a leading example of the regional startup ecosystem.

Mayor Lee stated, “The D-Unicorn Project is a core strategy for elevating Daejeon into a global startup hub. Leveraging our city’s scientific and technological strengths, we will continue to foster high-potential companies into unicorns.”

Link : https://n.news.naver.com/article/421/0008322021