KB Financial Group is fully launching its "KB Starters" program to foster startups in future industries.

KB Financial said on May 11 it held the "2026 KB Starters Welcome Day" with 50 innovative startups on May 8 at the KB Innovation Hub Center Gangnam HUB in Seocho-gu, Seoul.

The event was attended by newly selected startups in areas such as AI, deep tech and climate tech, as well as officials from major affiliates including KB Kookmin Bank, KB Securities, KB Insurance, KB Kookmin Card and KB Investment.

KB Financial sees collaboration with startups as playing an important role in finding new growth engines for finance. It is strengthening a support system linking collaboration, investment and global expansion.

This year, it selected 12 youth-led firms through the "KB Starters Roadshow Briefing," which tours major universities in South Korea.

These firms will receive tailored support programs including collaboration linked with KB Financial affiliates, tax, accounting, legal and patent consulting, support for attracting investment, a global accelerating program and dedicated office space.

A KB Financial official said it would expand the collaboration ecosystem so that startups' innovative technologies and ideas can be connected to real industrial sites. The official added it would continue to strengthen its role in productive finance so innovative firms can grow in a stable way.