The SMWU Entrepreneurship Engagement Foundation has prepared the "ESG Innovation Startup Idea Marathon," a program to enhance students' creativity and entrepreneurship. This program was based on the theme of "proposing an innovative business model to solve the Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) Issues." It was held from Jan. 13 to Jan. 14 near Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station. The students who formed the teams applied in advance through SNOWAY and a total of 11 teams participated in this contest. It consisted of special lectures by experts, idea-making and experts' coaching, and idea presentations. Before the idea-making process, three experts provided some information about ESG. Kim Minjeong, CEO of Gold Ark, explained the examples of ESG practices in various companies. He also explained the case in which water bottles were made of sterilized paper packs, not plastic bottles. These examples certainly helped stimulate students' thinking skills and creativity. Lee Jiyeon, CEO of Queen's Speech, gave a lecture on how to write a business plan and how to give a persuasive presentation. After the experts' lectures, each team brainstormed and developed ideas from late night to morning. They were coached by mentors to develop ideas, analyze business models and SWOTs, and make PPTs. Various ideas were developed in regard to the environment and society, such as a system using piezoelectric energy harvesting and a senior talent sharing platform. The judges awarded the Grand Prize, Excellence Award, Encouragement Award, and Passion Award as evaluation indicators for marketability, business value, profitability, and team competency. The team that presented the "travel footprint platform" won the Grand Prize. A student majoring in Global Cooperation who participated in the program said, "It was very hard because I had to stay up all night during the program, but it was good to develop ideas under the guidance of experts. I think it was a valuable experience for me." This ESG innovation startup idea marathon was an opportunity for students to strengthen their startup capabilities as future founders.
