KAIST Technology Venture Academy

for Int'l Students(TechVAIS2012)

 * Application deadline has been extended to Sept. 8(Sat.) and its result will be availalbe at Sept. 10(Mon.)

Introduction:

             As Korean economy continues to rank among developed nations, it faces the challenge to sustain technology-based growth despite shortage of human resources. The number of international students pursuing university degrees in Republic of Korea (Korea) is on the rise (Reference from Ministry of Education). A large number benefits from scholarships and support from Korean Government or universities and many graduates are hired by Korean companies inside Korea or back in home countries. However, it is not considered some may be interested to start up their own businesses in Korea or in home country having strong ties with Korean firms. Moreover, first generation of Korean SMEs, now medium sized, are entering global markets.  They may need domestic partners who not only understand Korean market and culture, but also have willingness to invest time, efforts and capital. Therefore raising awareness and potential of technology entrepreneurship by international students may bring benefits in the future.  

Tech-VAIS is an academy for young and enterprising international students, which targets to enhance the potential of new start-ups in Korea or at the participants’ home country having strong ties with Korean businesses or TLOs (Technology Licensing Organizations). The academy is being organized by KAIST Technology Office of University-Industry Cooperation (KAIST OUIC). It will serve as a probing first step to help enterprising international students in recognizing opportunities and support provided by Korean business environment for successful technology transfer and new venture creation. Moreover, it will try to build their capabilities for new ventures. Hence, rather than seeking jobs, they may contribute to economic development of their home countries and Korea by wealth and job-creation.  

Mission:

·       To raise the potential of entrepreneurial activities and new ventures in Korea by young and motivated international students educated in Korea

·       To enhance the potential of cross-border innovation and technology commercialization from the business ideas and links of enterprising international students educated in Korea

·       In order to achieve the above KAIST-TBIC start-up academy will try to:

o   create awareness and understanding about economy, business environment and venture opportunities in Korea among promising international students

o   motivate participating students to pursue ventures in the future involving Korea. Academy will help them develop and refine their ideas into comprehensive business plans.

o   nurture entrepreneurial spirit among participants by promoting the virtues of independent thinking, fast action and risk-taking

o   build network of young international students interested in new venture creation  

Features:

·       Period:   3^rd week of Sept. 2^nd week of Nov 2012, (Total of 8 operational weeks)

o   Major working days of the academy: Thursday, Friday, Saturday

o   Some weeks planned for intense activity which are easy during the academic semester running in parallel

o   And two breaks around mid-term exams (Oct 8-Oct 15) and (Oct 22-Oct26)

·       Attendees: 30 International Students (~20 from KAIST, ~10 from SolBridge)

·       Duration: Approx. 100 activity hours

·       Venue: KAIST Main and Munji Campuses, SolBridge International School of Business

Application

·         Eligibility:

Ø  International students enrolled in a Korean University and currently staying in Korea

Ø  Having Foreign (Alien) Registration Number valid till the completion of course

Ø  Some preference can be given to applicants who are senior undergrads, pursuing Masters or MBA degrees, and in early years of doctoral programmes

·         Application period: August 20 (Mon.) – September. 8(Sat.), 2012 (extended)

·         Submission: Via Email (koroh@kaist.ac.kr)

·         Required Doc. List (Please download the attached application form)

□ Certificate of Enrollment at the University/Institution

□ Copy of Passport (first 2 or 4 pages, as the case maybe)

□ Copy of Foreign Registration Card

□ Copy of Health Insurance Certificate

□ Copy of TOPIK Score(if any)

□ Business Idea Abstract

Selection Procedure: 

Ø  Review of submitted Application and Business Idea

Ø  Subsequent Interview (if required)

·         Final Result Announcement: September  10 (Mon.), 2012

Course Benefits:

·         Useful training and exposure to Korean business environment with no tuition fees (A little re-fundable deposit will be required; detail to be added)

·         Certificate of completion signed by Dean of KAIST OUIC

·         Alumni networking and links with Korean Business Mentors

·         Bonus Points awarded if applying for KAIST Business Incubation Program

·         Follow-up and additional care provided after completion of course (e.g. in-depth business coaching, PR & Marketing services)

Contact:

·       Ms. Kyongock Roh, BI Manager, KAIST TBIC (koroh@kaist.ac.kr, 350-4731)

·       Student Coordinators will be announced

Academy Structure (Draft)

*Academy Structure is subject to change without prior notice*

Attachment: Application form and Biz Idea Abstract