KIC Washington, D.C.

About Us

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

Sihoon Ryu, PhD

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

Senior Operations 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.

Hyungjin Yun, MBA

Senior Manager
Hyungjin Yun brings extensive entrepreneurial and analytical expertise to his role at KIC DC as a Senior Manager. With an MBA and MSBA, and significant leadership experience in entrepreneurship, he is instrumental in accelerating the global expansion of Korean technology startups. His deep expertise in biotechnology, financial management, and business analytics fosters a data-driven and strategically grounded approach to innovation, applicable across diverse industries.

Minkyong Song

Digital Project Lead
Minkyong focuses on enhancing KIC DC's digital presence and driving its digital transformation initiatives. With a background in data science, she effectively integrates innovative technologies to streamline workflows and improve the organization's engagement. She holds a bachelor's degree from William & Mary.

Sewon Lee

Project Manager
Sewon Lee possesses strong working experiences in international relations, research & analysis in finance and trade, and Science & ICT. Prior to KIC DC, he worked at the Embassy of Republic of Korea in Malaysia, and Ministry of Science and ICT. With his academic knowledge and experiences, he focuses on deep-tech and tech commercialization. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration and food science and technology.

Kico

Virtual Human
Kico is the friendly ambassador of KIC DC, embodying the organization's mission to support and accelerate the growth of Korean startups. Serving as a key figure in KIC DC’s outreach, Kico engages with entrepreneurs through digital platforms, bringing energy and enthusiasm to KIC DC’s social media. Her digital presence helps raise awareness of KIC DC’s programs and promotes the values of innovation and collaboration.

Jaehan Park

Mentor in Residence
Jaehan sparks balanced global advancement through cultivating Novel, Advanced, Unprecedented (NAU) technologies and products to extend and enhance life for all humanity. He has been incubating and consulting high-potential biotech and high-tech start-ups collaborating with pioneering innovators of revolutionary science. He has a B.S. in Physics from Seoul National University and a Master of Engineering in Biotechnology from Yonsei Graduate School of Engineering.

Jihoon Park, PhD

Mentor in Residence
Jihoon Park majored in biochemistry with extensive knowledge in cancer biology and cell metabolism. He spent 4 years at NIH as a postdoctoral fellow. As a co-founder of a biotech startup in the U.S., he successfully managed the company and completed a reverse merger with a NASDAQ listed company in 2023. He now supports biotech companies in exploring opportunities in the U.S. market as a managing partner at Linkorus, LLC.