SEOUL – On June 25, 2026, Google Play, in collaboration with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) and the Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development (KISED), held the '2026 ChangGoo Alumni Day.' The event served as a landmark gathering to fortify the growth and global competitiveness of Korean mobile app and game startups.
The ‘ChangGoo’ program, a flagship public-private partnership initiative launched in 2019, derives its name from the first syllables of ‘Chang-up’ (startup) and ‘Google Play.’ Since its inception, the program has provided essential support to a cumulative total of 760 ‘K-Startups,’ including the 100 companies selected for the 8th cohort this past May. This year’s alumni event drew over 400 participants, including representatives from past program cohorts, venture capitalists, and key stakeholders within the startup ecosystem, fostering a robust environment for networking and knowledge exchange.
The event highlighted the remarkable achievements of the 7th cohort. During their participation, the 100 involved firms saw their combined revenue grow by approximately 70% compared to the same period in the previous year, while export figures surged by roughly 90%. Such data underscores the program's efficacy in propelling domestic enterprises onto the international stage.
The 2026 program maintains a sharp focus on practical technological advancement and the expansion of global networks. A highlight of this year’s session was the in-depth workshop themed, "Building an AI-Native Development Pipeline with Stitch, Google AI Studio, and Antigravity." This session provided CTOs and technical leaders with actionable insights into optimizing development processes and integrating cutting-edge AI technologies directly into their services.
International experts also provided strategic guidance. Brandon Barras, Head of US App Imports at Google Play, presented comprehensive strategies for entering the United States market, while Christina Lee, Google Play Partnership Manager, shed light on the growth trajectory of the global AI app ecosystem under the theme, "AI App Market Landscape."
Kyung-ja Shin, Senior Director of Platform and Device Marketing for Google Asia Pacific, emphasized the long-term vision of the partnership. "The ChangGoo program has collaborated with 760 innovative K-Startups over the past eight years," she stated. "Google Play remains committed to serving as a dedicated running mate, ensuring that Korea's exceptional developers can successfully navigate the waves of the AI era and connect with users worldwide in their global adventure."
As the startup ecosystem faces rapid shifts due to AI, the ChangGoo program continues to provide diverse benefits, including commercialization funding of up to 200 million KRW, customized seminars, 1-on-1 expert consulting, and ‘VC Office Hours’ to facilitate investment opportunities. Through these rigorous support systems, the initiative is solidifying its role as a critical springboard for Korean startups aiming to transcend the domestic market and achieve sustainable success on the global stage.
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