– Global Startup and Investment Cooperation: Kwangwoon University–SparkLabs Saudi Arabia MOU –​​

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Kwangwoon University–SparkLabs Saudi Arabia MOU Signing

January 2nd, 2026. Kwangwoon University, led by President Yoon Do-young, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SparkLabs Saudi Arabia on November 14 to promote international cooperation in the fields of startups and investment. The agreement aims to establish a strategic partnership linking Kwangwoon University’s strengths in AI- and ICT-based technologies and research infrastructure with the Middle Eastern innovation ecosystem, while supporting practical collaboration between startups in Korea and Saudi Arabia.

The partnership outlines concrete cooperation measures beyond a symbolic agreement. The two institutions agreed to pursue joint initiatives including the planning of global acceleration programs, mutual support for startup market entry, the development of cooperation platforms for research and development and technology commercialization, collaboration in cultivating university-based entrepreneurial talent, and the promotion of investment exchanges through cooperation among venture capital firms and accelerators.

Under the agreement, Kwangwoon University and SparkLabs Saudi Arabia are preparing a joint global acceleration program scheduled for 2026. Additional initiatives under consideration include global proof-of-concept projects, collaborative investment rounds among investors, and regular B2B networking events. Through the implementation of these programs, both parties aim to enhance the global competitiveness of startups and contribute to the expansion of a university-centered global startup ecosystem.

The signing ceremony was attended by President Yoon Do-young and Jeong Seok-jae, Head of the Office of Planning at Kwangwoon University, as well as Bodin Scepanovic, Partner at SparkLabs Saudi Arabia. Participants shared a common understanding of the importance of cooperation in research and entrepreneurship and discussed prospects for long-term collaboration.

Representatives from regional startup incubation centers operated by Kwangwoon University also took part in the event, including officials from centers in Dongdaemun-gu, Yangju, Gangbuk, Dobong-gu, and Guri. Discussions focused on potential areas of cooperation with SparkLabs Saudi Arabia, such as startup exchange programs, overseas market entry support, and the development of joint global projects, with the aim of expanding regional startup networks into broader international partnerships.

President Yoon stated that the agreement represents an opportunity to create new global linkages by combining the university’s research-driven capabilities with technology-based startups. Partner Scepanovic noted that the technological competitiveness of Korean startups, together with jointly designed long-term programs, is expected to generate positive synergy in both the Korean and Middle Eastern markets.