Gyeongbuk small businesses win national innovation awards

Two small businesses supported by the Gyeongbuk Creative Economy Innovation Center have won top honors at the Innovative Small Business Final Audition held in Seoul. Out of 9,422 applicants nationwide, the two companies emerged as winners after a highly competitive selection process with a ratio of approximately 117 to 1.

Jeongdam Dubujip, located in Gimcheon, received the Grand Prize. The company has developed a resource-circulating business model by transforming soybean pulp—a byproduct of tofu production—into nutritious spreads and easy-to-eat porridges.

Andong Banga received the Excellence Award for its development of traditional distilled spirits made from 100% Andong ginger. Led by former nursing professor Lee Tae-sook, the company’s flagship product, ‘Ginger Goyu 53’, has previously won a grand prize at the Korea Liquor Awards.

The audition was organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Small Enterprise and Market Service. The Gyeongbuk Creative Economy Innovation Center plans to provide follow-up support to help these local brands expand their market presence and grow into national luxury brands.