KIC Washington, D.C.

Our Vision & Mission

To Lead the Global Innovation Ecosystem As a Platform for Tech Commercialization

  • Providing accelerating & training programs for startups at different stages
  • Accomplishing successful cross-border transition of Korean science & technology for global innovation promotion
  • Capitalizing technology collaboration & innovative entrepreneurship for economic growth in Korea & the US

Who We are

Korea Innovation Center (KIC) is funded by the Korean government on a mission to create a global startup ecosystem throughout our four locations- Washington DC, Silicon Valley, Berlin, and Beijing. We discover and incubate promising Korean technology startups by providing assets such as connections to market enablers, accelerators, and training programs. More than 80 Korean startups join us to explore the U.S market annually. We welcome leaders from various sectors to build a vibrant network between the U.S. and South Korea.

Innovate

• Bringing highly advanced technology from Korea

• Facilitating R&D collaboration between Korean startups and the US market

• Creating a new pathway for Korean startups to thrive in the US market

Incubate

• Mentoring & Training

• Special Caring service

  • – Providing Co-working Office Space
  • – One-stop US Incorporation Support
  • – Initial IP Research & Report
  • – Company Tech Marketing & Outreach
  • – Tech Press Release & Market Exposure

Integrate

• Connect with government

  • – Connection to government contract integrator
  • – Guide toward achieving government grant such as SBIR and STTR

• Connect with Investors

  • – Introduction to accelerators/angel investors

• Connect with Mentors

  • – One on one consultation
  • – Advisory board

KIC DC Team

Hye In Kim

Senior Manager
Hye In Kim brings a wealth of research expertise to her role at KICDC as a program manager. With a Master’s in Cognitive Psychology from UPenn, she is instrumental in refining programs for seed to later-stage companies. Her skillful use of research methodologies fosters a data-driven and scientifically grounded approach to innovation, applicable across diverse industries

Sihoon Ryu

President
Sihoon Ryu brings his 17 years of hands-on venture investment experience in the mobile, semiconductor, and automotive industries to his role at KIC DC as President. Prior to joining KIC DC, Sihoon worked as an investor at SKTelecom Ventures, Daedeok Venture Partners, and Hyundai Mobis Ventures. He holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Yonsei Univ. and a Corporate Valuation certification from Wharton Executive Education.

Songhee Han

Operation Manager
Songhee Han possesses experience in account reconciliation, streamlining accounts, financial planning, and tax preparation. Before joining KIC DC, she worked as an HR specialist in Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology. Songhee strives to be a dedicated team-worker with the ability to support and complete effective teams. She majored in English Education in Seoul National University.

Our Mentors

Startups will have access to top-notch mentorships, technical training support, and Global Innovation Networks.

John Yu

CEO, Office Evolution-Tysons

Robert Balcerzak

CEO, Allotropic Tech

Chulan Kwon

Associate Professor, Johns Hopkins University

Sunny Lee

Partner, Sughrue Mion, PLLC

Byoung Jo Kang

Founder, B.J. Kang Law, PC

HyunDae Cho

CEO, CrossLife Technologies

Daniel D. Kunitz

Director, I-Corps at George Washington Univesity

Tim Bowden

Managing Partner, Bowden-Jacobsen Partners

Bob Smith

Director, Small Business Development Center at George Mason University

Dan Gordon

Managing Director, DanGordonTech LLC

Sean Collins

Director, Apex Systems Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Virginia Tech

Steven Brooks

Principal, Brooks Medtech, LLC

Derrick Maggard

Executive Director, Apex Systems Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Virginia Tech

Brian Park

CEO, Startup Grind

Austin Clemens

Director, Quid

Jongwon “JP” Park

Vice President, Starburst Aerospace

Ken Malone

Principal, Early Charm Ventures, LLC

Ben Park

Founder and CEO, Fosmo Med

Larry Dell

Executive Director, The M&A Leadership Council

Stephanie Son

Founder/CEO, VentureNest Partners

Judy Costello

Managing Director, BioHealth Innovation

Bob Gordon

Founder & CEO at Grouprally

Tae Heum (Ted) Jeong

Managing Partner, KSV Global Innovations, LP.

Lisa Garcia

CEO, Lisa K. Garcia LLC

Greg Miller

CEO and Founder at Greg Miller and Associates

John O`Malley

President, Rockfleet Advisors

Louis J. Cantolupo

COO of Unleash Immuno Oncolytics, Inc.

Elizabeth Cho

Co-Founder, MEDA Angels; Founder, ECF Biosolutions

Karl Grover

Analytics and Advisory. Brand reservior

Richard Hughen

CEO, Cells Systems

Irfan Ali

Maryland Innovation Initiative, TEDCO

Jim Chung

Associate Vice President, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at George Washington University

Bob Storey

Managing Director, The MVR Company

David Powell

Principal, DLP International Business Consulting

Steven S. An

Associate Professor, John Hopkins University