Woori Financial Group said it held launch events from Jan. 21 to 22 for the second DinoLab Busan cohort and the third DinoLab Gyeongnam cohort. It said the aim is to support innovative companies in Busan and South Gyeongsang with productive financing and pursue shared growth with local economies.

Woori Financial Group said DinoLab has so far connected about 400 billion won in direct and indirect investment and more than 60 partnerships for a total of 219 companies, putting into practice a policy task of balanced regional growth through productive financing.

The event was attended by key participants in the regional startup ecosystem, including Woori Bank, officials from Busan, South Gyeongsang and Yangsan, as well as the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund and local investors. They discussed ways to cooperate for innovative growth and balanced regional development.

The second DinoLab Busan cohort, selected as new partners, includes six companies: Sandberg (AI document screening decision-making solution), Anam145 (blockchain security platform), SYU (business automation ERP solution), FXIP (IP and brand commercialisation platform), Elva (AI video production platform) and Onclev (virtual-asset anti-money laundering solution).

The third DinoLab Gyeongnam cohort, selected on Jan. 22, includes seven companies: Britscent (community-based English education solution), ThermoEye (high-precision thermal imaging solution), OceansBio (biometric-based bio solution), OptAI (AI-based device optimisation solution), Chemipolio (biofuel materials development), Petel (pet accommodation booking platform) and Korea Housing Information (non-apartment management fee solution).

Woori Financial said it will continue tailored support so the selected companies can build competitiveness in global markets beyond regional hubs.

Il-jin Ok (옥일진), vice president of Woori Financial Holdings' digital innovation division, said DinoLab is a key channel for productive financing that secures the group's future growth engines while contributing to balanced regional development. He said the group will continue to discover promising technology companies and provide full support so cooperation with group affiliates can lead to tangible results.