Press

Twelve innovative startup teams that participated in Hana Social Venture Academy's customized startup education programs shared their social innovation ideas and achievements. Hana Financial Group (Chairman Kim Jung-tae) concluded the second phase of the Hana Social Venture Academy, which supports social innovation entrepreneurs through startup education. The group shared the outcomes of 12 innovative startup (prospective) teams that participated in the 11-week customized startup education program held from July. With participation from Hana Financial Holdings, Hana Ventures, Korea Social Investment (an impact investment specialist), and Underdogs (a social innovation company builder), the 12 teams presented their social innovation ideas. Through on-site evaluation, five outstanding startup teams were selected, including one grand prize winner. 'Cansters Crew,' which won the grand prize, is a social venture founded to solve inconveniences faced by physically disadvantaged people through technology. The team gained significant attention by presenting auxiliary devices for the disabled, including a wheel cleaner that eliminates the hassle of cleaning wheelchair wheels daily when entering homes. Additionally, the excellence award winners were Soul Medi, which solves information asymmetry in pharmaceuticals; Vintage House, which activates beat trading for indie musicians; and the merit award winners were Silver Lining, which creates a senior delivery solution; and Rain Clover, which developed a non-point pollution reduction platform for the environment.