Hanyang University Institute for Entrepreneurship (hereinafter referred to as Institute for Entrepreneurship) conducted the “Global Challenger in Silicon Valley” program from August 1 to 9. “Global Challenger in Silicon Valley” is an activity where selected students visit overseas companies located in Silicon Valley, USA, to experience the American market and corporate culture. Four students who went through the selection process participated in this program. Through the program, students expanded their knowledge about entrepreneurship and experienced startup culture."

This program was conducted in collaboration with Hanyang University's “HYU Global Startup Mentors” (hereinafter referred to as the Global Mentors). The Global Mentors consist of Hanyang University alumni who have entrepreneurial experience or work in global companies. Students had the opportunity to receive mentoring on their startup ideas and explore overseas companies through the Global Mentors based in Silicon Valley. We met Kang Eun-young (School of Business, senior) and Ko Joon-seong (Department of Food and Nutrition, junior), who expanded their perspectives on entrepreneurship by participating in the program and discussed their reasons for participation and the process of the program.

Kang mentioned, "I wanted to visit Silicon Valley, the leading region in the IT service industry, and found it attractive to participate because it offered the opportunity to gain entrepreneurial experience abroad." She is currently engaged in entrepreneurial team activities in the IT service industry and has developed a diary app. Kang stated, "It was a meaningful time to receive advice on what career path to take in the future and to think about my career. This program was the best decision I made since enrolling at Hanyang University. It was a time where I could gain valuable connections and experiences."

Ko, on the other hand, has always been interested in entrepreneurship related to "diet" and "nutrition." He mentioned, "I wanted to visit the United States, a developed country in this field, to research the U.S. market." He felt a sense of love for school through this program. Ko said, "I felt love and support from the seniors through their affectionate perspectives and assistance, and I hope to pay this love forward to my juniors in the future."

The program included various activities, not only visiting overseas companies but also mentoring sessions and a commissioning ceremony for the students' startup ideas. Ko mentioned, "The time when seniors listened to our startup ideas and provided feedback on our presentations is the most memorable. Their diverse perspectives and feedback were impressive, given their experience in working abroad." Kang said, "Visiting the Startup World Cup and hearing about pitching and the startup process from foreigners was beneficial."

The students had the opportunity to visit alumni companies and gain insights into each company's characteristics. Ko mentioned, "It was a valuable time to learn about the appearance and characteristics of various companies by visiting them."

During the activities, there were also various memorable moments. Kang mentioned, "I met senior alumni who came to the United States for business trips in Silicon Valley. They came to visit us upon hearing that their juniors were here, even though they had busy schedules due to business trips and investment matters. It was touching."

Ko mentioned, "During the commissioning ceremony, I had the memorable experience of meeting Hwang Kyu-nin, an alumnus who became the first Korean to list the company “Televideo” on NASDAQ. He had only three business cards, so he gave one of us a picture of him alongside President George W. Bush, which left a strong impression."
 

The students enhanced their entrepreneurial capabilities through this program. Kang stated, "My perspective on entrepreneurship has broadened. It made me think about global expansion and learn the attitude required for being an entrepreneur." She also mentioned, “I plan to release the developed app, monitor consumer responses, and explore future development directions.” She added, "I want to challenge myself in various fields, including content businesses, and gain experience."

Ko also mentioned, "Through this opportunity, I gained confidence in entrepreneurship. It was a chance to look at a broader market and gain experience." He continued, "As I operate a service related to self-management, I aspire to become a person who works hard to have self-utility in the future."

This program holds significance in the development of students' entrepreneurial determination and capabilities. Kim Keun-young, a staff member of the Entrepreneurship Support Foundation who organized the program, mentioned, "Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we haven't been able to conduct offline programs. We believed that students visiting overseas and experiencing it firsthand would be the most effective, so we planned Global Challenger in Silicon Valley.”

He said, “I feel gratitude for the enthusiastic participation of the students” and said, "I hope that students, inspired by this program, will continue to learn and grow in the field of entrepreneurship."