Global Economic Times

Daejeon to Transform Urban Vacant Spaces into Cutting-Edge Vertical Farms: Integrated Call for Smart Farm Operators: KO YONG-CHUL Reporter / Updated : 2025-04-21 17:59:00

Daejeon Metropolitan City is making significant strides in urban regeneration and the advancement of smart agriculture by inviting applications for operators for its "Urban Vacant Space Utilization Smart Farm Development Project." This initiative, a key undertaking of the city's 8th administration, aims to convert underutilized urban areas into state-of-the-art vertical farms. The city is conducting an integrated recruitment process for operators for both 2024 and 2025, with applications being accepted from May 12th to May 20th at 4:00 PM.

Having already launched technology research-oriented and theme-based smart farms in Daeheung-dong and Samsung-dong in 2024, Daejeon envisions establishing diverse smart farm models through this open call. The goal is to cultivate a data-driven, profitable smart agriculture ecosystem while simultaneously revitalizing urban spaces.

The operator recruitment is divided into two tracks: Track I (2024) and Track II (2025), encompassing four distinct types and a total of seven locations. Financial support will be provided for the construction of production and cultivation facilities, as well as other necessary auxiliary facilities. The Daejeon Job & Economy Promotion Agency will oversee the project as the entrusted executing organization.

Track I (2024) focuses on a pilot smart farm project utilizing the closed Dungji underground walkway. This initiative aims to produce high-value crops and systematically gather data on productivity, economic feasibility, and profitability to develop a standard profitable smart farm model. Although an operator was initially selected, the project faced setbacks, necessitating a nationwide public call for a new operator. The total project cost has been adjusted to KRW 1.715 billion, with the city contributing 70% (KRW 1.2 billion) and the selected operator responsible for 30% (KRW 515 million). The location for this project is 1381 Dunsan-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon.

Track II (2025) adopts a different approach, requiring participants to secure their own project sites within urban areas of Daejeon. The Track II recruitment includes:

Business-Linked Type (2 locations): These smart farms will be integrated with existing businesses such as cafes, restaurants, and salad shops to ensure a stable supply of locally grown produce.
Sharing Culture Promotion Type (1 location): This type will focus on creating a space where produce grown in the smart farm is provided to vulnerable populations within the community, fostering a culture of sharing and support.
Free Proposal Open Call Type (3 locations, 1 nationwide): Participants are invited to propose innovative business models leveraging smart farm technology. Notably, one of these locations is open to applicants nationwide, while the other two require the applicant's headquarters to be located within Daejeon.
Applicants can only apply for one type of smart farm project and are required to cover 30% of the total project cost. Eligible support includes the installation of hydroponic cultivation systems, ICT-based environmental control equipment, automation systems, and other related facilities.

The project proposal must include both quantitative indicators such as revenue and employment figures, financial status, and qualitative aspects. These qualitative evaluations will assess the applicant's understanding of the project, the feasibility of their business plan, financial sourcing and utilization strategies, investment return analysis, and potential for local community engagement and collaboration.

Proposal submissions will be accepted on weekdays only (excluding Saturdays and Sundays) from Monday, May 12th, to Tuesday, May 20th, 2025, until 4:00 PM. For the Track I pilot project, only in-person submissions are allowed. For Track II projects, submissions can be made in person or via mail to the Daejeon Job & Economy Promotion Agency, Room 201.

Following the application period, an evaluation committee will conduct a comprehensive assessment based on both quantitative and qualitative criteria. The final selection of operators is scheduled for June, after which agreements will be finalized.

Detailed information regarding the application process can be found on the Daejeon Business (Daejeon Biz) website. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact the Enterprise Innovation and Growth Support Team at the Daejeon Job & Economy Promotion Agency (☎042-380-3022).

Son Chan-woong, Head of the Enterprise and Trade Support Division at the Daejeon Job & Economy Promotion Agency, stated, "This integrated recruitment for both 2024 and 2025 is aimed at ensuring a swift and systematic project implementation. We are committed to thoroughly preparing for this expanded recruitment across various types to ensure the success of this initiative."

Park Young-cheol, Director-General of the Green Space, Agriculture and Life Bureau of Daejeon Metropolitan City, emphasized the necessity of transitioning to advanced agriculture to address the rapidly changing agricultural environment. He expressed high expectations for the project, stating, "We anticipate that this project, which transforms urban vacant spaces into smart farms, will serve as a leading model for agricultural innovation, and we encourage widespread participation."