Chonnam National University (CNU) has been selected as the only lead institution in Korea for the 2025 Collaborative Makerspace Program, a national initiative led by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. The program supports the expansion of maker culture and manufacturing-based entrepreneurship, and this year’s selection process was especially competitive due to stricter application criteria.

CNU’s makerspace, “Mandeulmaru,” directed by Professor Yonggwan Won of the Department of Computer, Information, and Communication Engineering, submitted a joint proposal in partnership with Gwangju Metropolitan City, Monoscale Co., Ltd., and Hyper Cooperative Association. As a result, CNU will continue its role as a lead institution for the third consecutive year.

Built on its signature “Network Factory” model—a collaborative ecosystem that brings together regional innovation centers, manufacturing specialists, and universities—Mandeulmaru has played a key role in supporting manufacturing startups and advancing the local startup ecosystem.

This year, the program will operate in close collaboration with Gwangju’s Startup Growth Support Center as part of a broader strategy to position the city as a “Maker-Manufacturing City.” This ambitious plan earned top marks in the national evaluation, with CNU receiving an S-grade rating, securing the highest level of government funding (KRW 1 billion), and standing out as the only institution selected nationwide.

“Mandeulmaru has empowered students and aspiring entrepreneurs through hands-on creative experiences and digital manufacturing tools,” said Professor Won. “Looking ahead, we’ll continue to expand our support by partnering with the city’s Startup Growth Support Center to help establish Gwangju as a national leader in manufacturing innovation.”