Student Success Shines at Paju Investment Pitch Event
KoreaPEN Hosts Mock Investment Pitch as Part of the Practice Startup Experience Program
On June 14, the Haesol Library in Paju came alive with entrepreneurial energy as middle and high school students gathered to present their startup ideas in a Mock Investment Pitch, the capstone event of the first part of the Practice Startup Experience Program. Organized by KoreaPEN in collaboration with the Paju Office of Education, this event offered young innovators the chance to step into the shoes of real-world entrepreneurs.
“I always wondered how ideas like these are actually realized — and it was a great experience to try creating one myself.”
— Student Participant
Over the course of eight weeks, six student teams — two from middle schools and four from high schools — developed their own startup concepts. At the event, they pitched their ideas in front of a full audience of over 200 attendees, including parents, teachers, local business professionals, and other supporters, who acted as mock investors.
Innovative Ideas from Young Minds
The middle school teams tackled everyday problems with creative solutions:
YC Team introduced a multi-functional smartphone case with built-in storage for wireless earbuds and a convenient stand feature, aimed at improving usability on the go.
Good Café, Great Café proposed a healing café that adjusts its ambiance and menu based on the customer’s emotional state, providing a personalized, mood-based experience.
The high school teams showcased tech-driven services and products:
FitPick presented an AI-powered menu recommendation app that suggests food options based on user-entered keywords, helping users decide what to eat quickly and easily.
Back UP offered a school-targeted insurance service that covers low-value personal items commonly lost or stolen by students, such as pens, water bottles, or small electronics.
Happytails introduced a smart harness for dogs designed to automatically disinfect ticks and insects — blending pet care, hygiene, and sustainability.
SSA unveiled a universal magnetic button that allows users to attach and detach various items anywhere, offering practical functionality for everyday life.
From Pitch to Practice
The teams that participated in the event will advance to a four-week startup simulation program, where they will gain hands-on experience in product development, marketing, budgeting, and even pitching in English. This next stage helps translate their ideas into functional prototypes and realistic business models.
A Community Effort
Parents were visibly moved watching their children present with passion and professionalism:
“I thought this would be just a small event, but I was blown away by the students’ dedication and confidence. It was truly touching.”
Mock investors — including professionals from local companies — were equally impressed:
“The creativity and drive these students demonstrated were outstanding. There’s real potential here.”
Recognizing the Best
The team Happytails received the highest investment score and was selected as the Best Startup Idea. Their pet harness was praised for its originality, practicality, and eco-conscious design — standing out for its clear market potential.
Jeon Seon-ah, Director of the Paju Office of Education, remarked:
“This pitch event gave students the valuable opportunity to experience the startup process firsthand — from problem-solving and market analysis to persuasive communication. It’s a powerful and meaningful way to learn.”
About the Program
The Practice Startup Experience Program, run by KoreaPEN, is a future-oriented learning platform that empowers students through hands-on education beyond the traditional classroom. By engaging with real-world problems and local community networks, students build critical thinking, collaboration, and entrepreneurial skills that prepare them for tomorrow’s challenges.
Original Article by Kuki News https://m.kukinews.com/article/view/kuk202506140027#_enliple