Agro-Food Startup Contest Workshop Boosts Top 11 Finalists' Capabilities

The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Distribution Corporation (aT) is bolstering the next generation of agricultural food innovators by hosting a workshop for the top 11 finalists of the 2026 Agro-Food Startup Contest. Held over two days in Seoul, the event provided a crucial platform for these emerging companies to enhance their capabilities and connect with industry stakeholders.

The workshop featured a comprehensive program designed to support the finalists' growth. Sessions included an orientation, introductions to the top 11 companies, special lectures, and intensive one-on-one mentoring. Participants received tailored advice on business models and investor relations pitching strategies, alongside leadership programs to foster collaboration among the startups.

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This wasn't a typical workshop. I was contemplating the direction of my IR materials, and this special lecture helped me pinpoint it accurately. I think I can prepare well for the remaining time until the finals.

Ten mentors specializing in investment, patents, overseas expansion, accounting, and AI participated in the mentoring sessions, offering approximately three rounds of personalized consultation per company. Sponsors such as the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, Lotte Central Research Institute, and CJ CheilJedang also engaged with the startups, presenting their open innovation programs and partnership opportunities.

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The one-on-one mentoring was valuable, providing the advice I needed. Being matched with a mentor whose direction aligned with my company was a great help.

Participants expressed high satisfaction with the workshop's practical focus. One attendee noted, "This wasn't a typical workshop. I was contemplating the direction of my IR materials, and this special lecture helped me pinpoint it accurately." Another shared, "The one-on-one mentoring was valuable, providing the advice I needed. Being matched with a mentor whose direction aligned with my company was a great help."

Looking ahead, aT will continue to support the top 11 companies with programs aimed at strengthening their presentation skills, including IR consulting and mock IR sessions, leading up to the final competition and awards ceremony on September 16. The startups will also receive exhibition support at the '2026 A-Farm Show' from August 28 to 30 to promote their businesses and expand sales channels.

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This workshop was prepared so that the TOP 11 companies could check their business models and IR capabilities before the finals and interact with investors, sponsors, and experts. We plan to continue customized capability enhancement programs until the finals.