KOSME Pune Base Camp at PCU Marks a Significant Milestone for Korea-India Relations – Dongwan Yoo, Consul General of the Republic of Korea

Pimpri, Pune (June 04, 2026) – The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between PCU and KOSME represents a pivotal milestone in further strengthening and enhancing economic and industrial ties between India and South Korea. KOSME plays a crucial role in empowering Korean Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within India. The KOSME Pune Base Camp established at PCU is the first of its kind in the country. This facility will be utilized to launch various initiatives at PCU, including Korean language training, faculty exchange programs, student skill development, research, startup incubation, product testing facilities for Korean SMEs, and industry-academia collaboration. Consul General of the Republic of Korea, Dongwan Yoo, stated that the Korean government also holds a positive outlook regarding these initiatives.

The inauguration of the country’s first “KOSME Pune Base Camp”—established jointly by the Korea SME & Startup Agency (KOSME) and the Pimpri Chinchwad Education Trust (PCET)—took place at the Pimpri Chinchwad University (PCU) campus in Sate, Vadgaon Maval. The ceremony was officiated by the Consul General of the Republic of Korea, Dongwan Yoo, and the Chancellor of PCU, Harshvardhan Patil. Dignitaries present on the occasion included MIDC Regional Officer Nitin Gawali; Regional Director and Divisional Director for Northeast Asia & ASEAN at KOSME, Susok Park; Managing Director of KOSME GBC New Delhi, Jaekyung Lee; Chief Trade Representative Kitayong Yun; Director of CEPA New Delhi, Seungchang Ha; Executive Director of PCET, Dr. Girish Desai; Vice-Chancellor of PCU, Santosh Sonawane; CEO of Starazene Ms. Yujin Han; Dean of PCU, Dr. Ramdas Biradar; and the Registrar, Dr. Anil Maheshwari, along with officials and representatives from various Korean companies, were present on the occasion.

PCU Chancellor Harshvardhan Patil stated that, in order to realize the Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Developed India’ (Viksit Bharat), significant emphasis must be placed on education, training, research, and employment generation at the international level. He noted that the establishment of the Korea SME and Startup Agency (KOSME)—marking its first base camp in India—at PCU will accelerate the pace of investment by Korean companies within Maharashtra. The agreement between KOSME and PCU is poised to serve as a milestone for students, researchers, startups, and the industrial sector. Furthermore, this initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the national economy in the years to come. Chancellor Harshvardhan Patil expressed his pride in the fact that PCU has now embarked on its journey toward becoming India’s first industrial university.

MIDC Regional Officer Nitin Gawali remarked that the establishment of the KOSME Pune Base Camp will provide a significant boost to Korean investment, industrial expansion, and employment generation within Maharashtra. He assured that the MIDC would extend its fullest cooperation to all Korean companies associated with this center.

Susok Park observed that Pune is rapidly emerging as a leading hub for the automobile, engineering, and innovation sectors. He affirmed that they would remain steadfast in their efforts to empower Korean industries and to foster new opportunities for collaboration through this initiative.

Delivering the welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Santosh Sonawane highlighted that PCU places a special emphasis on industry-oriented education, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technology, and Industry 4.0. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Santosh Sonawane further stated that the KOSME Pune Base Camp will serve as a vital bridge connecting Korean industries with India’s innovation ecosystem, thereby opening up new avenues of opportunity for both the industrial and employment sectors.

Ms. Yujin Han, CEO of Starazine, provided an overview of the developments following the initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between KOSME and PCU in September 2025—specifically highlighting the training programs conducted for students, dialogues held with MIDC, discussions with Korean industries based in Pune, and the agreement concluded in New Delhi.

Students who participated in the six-week special training initiative—titled the ‘Korea Business Culture Program’ and hosted at PCU—presented their experiences. Through this program, students received hands-on, experiential learning regarding Korean business culture, work methodologies, industries, professional expectations, and global career opportunities.

Dr. Ramdas Biradar delivered the introductory remarks.

The proceedings were anchored by Ms. Yujin Han, CEO of Starazine, while Dr. Anil Maheshwari proposed the vote of thanks.
——————————————————————