On December 10, 2021, Hanyang University (HYU) received the Best Organization Award for Youth Startup Support, also known as the Blue Frog Award, at the 2021 KDB Next Round Closing Day. 

The Best Organization Award for Youth Startup Support is presented by the Korea Development Bank to organizations and venture companies that have contributed to the revitalization of the venture ecosystem. It is named after the blue frog to encourage organizations to leap toward new goals.

The Korea Development Bank’s “KDB Next Round” is a market- type investment attraction platform that connects ventures, startups, and investors. The Korea Development Bank has held a total of 535 rounds since 2016, contributing 471 out of 1,969 startup participants to attract investment.

HYU is a major partner of “KDB Next Round” and has annually held the “Hanyang University Startup Support Group Investment Round” for youth start-up teams. In the convention, start- up groups have shown great potential and investment results. In particular, one start-up team recommended by HYU attracted 10 billion won worth of investment in 2021.

This year’s KDB event was broadcasted live to domestic and foreign investors through the Next Round online platform. Silicon Valley’s venture capital and key members of the domestic venture ecosystem, including the chairman of the National Science and Technology Research Association, the president of the Venture Business Association, and the president of the Venture Capital Association, participated in the event.

At the event, HYU also received the Hosting Partner Award of the Year, the Venture Ecosystem Expansion and Development Cooperation Award, the Best Regional Venture Award, and the Next Round Funding Award of the Year. These great achievements are meaningful results of HYU consistently educating and revitalizing youth startups.