On October 15, Innoteco, a resident company at the Korea Polytechnic University (KPU) Business Incubation Center, announced that it has been selected for the 2025 Startup Leap Package program supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and has signed the related agreement.



The Startup Leap Package is a government initiative aimed at helping startups in their 3rd to 7th year overcome growth stagnation and accelerate commercialization. The program supports companies through three models: General, Corporate Collaboration, and Investment-Linked.



Innoteco was selected under the Investment-Linked model for its project related to hydrogen safety sensors, which qualifies the company for various benefits. With a potential commercialization grant of up to KRW 200 million, and matched investment through a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) from Korea Venture Investment Corp., the company may receive up to KRW 400 million in total funding. This support is expected to significantly boost Innoteco’s expansion into global markets.



Innoteco is a technology-based startup that has developed and commercialized sensors and IoT-based monitoring systems capable of detecting various gases including hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon monoxide with high precision.



Currently operating from KPU’s Business Incubation Center, Innoteco has shown continuous growth, having previously become a subsidiary of Korea Polytechnic University Holdings, attracted venture capital investment, and been selected for the TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startups) program, earning recognition for its technological capabilities and growth potential.



With this new funding secured through the Startup Leap Package, the company plans to accelerate the development of its AI-based hydrogen safety smart sensor solution for carbon neutrality. Innoteco aims to expedite the commercialization of its hydrogen sensors and systems, applicable across the full cycle of green hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization. The company also plans to pursue explosion-proof design, obtain international certifications, and fast-track entry into global markets.



Inho Kim, CEO of Innoteco, stated,



“As global efforts to address the climate crisis continue, interest is growing in hydrogen as a next-generation energy source, along with sensor technologies to support its safe use. With government support, we will pursue technological advancement, obtain international certifications and patents, and lay the groundwork for global market entry.”



Reporter: Park Sung-joon | mediapark@ekn.kr



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