KB Kookmin Bank said on Tuesday it is recruiting companies to take part in the sixth cohort of its startup incubation program, KB Unicorn Club, which supports the stable growth of new businesses.

Now in its sixth year since launching in 2021, KB Unicorn Club is an accelerating program that discovers promising startups in new industries to help them leap into unicorn companies, with the aim of revitalising South Korea's startup ecosystem and growing together with new businesses.

A total of 56 startups have taken part so far. Participating companies have won awards at major ceremonies at home and abroad, including the Good Design Award, CES Innovation Awards and the Edison Awards, winning recognition for business performance and innovation.

The key theme for the sixth recruitment round is youth. Eligible applicants are prospective founders aged 19 to 39 and early-stage startups less than 3 years old. Companies can apply if they have growth potential such as entering new-industry fields, holding innovative technology and the possibility of global expansion.

The 10 selected companies will be offered tailored, stage-by-stage programs including investment review by the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy and Innovation, opportunities to move into a working space, startup-investor networking, support for global expansion and advanced mentoring by experts.

The application period runs until April 15, and applications can be submitted via the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy and Innovation website.

A KB Kookmin Bank official said, "We hope for strong interest and participation from young entrepreneurs with creative ideas and passion." The official added, "We will continue to expand support for youth startups with innovative technology and contribute to strengthening industrial competitiveness."