Hyundai Motor Group has launched a new startup investment fund worth 125 billion won ($91.4 million) to support innovative ventures in AI, robotics, hydrogen, and cybersecurity. The fund is part of Hyundai’s ZER01NE accelerator program and includes contributions from various group affiliates. Hyundai Motor Co.
and Kia Corp. each invested 40 billion won, while Hyundai Motor Securities Co. contributed 10 billion won.
Investment in next-gen innovations
Seven other Hyundai affiliates also invested, including Hyundai Mobis Co., Hyundai Glovis Co., and Hyundai Rotem Co. The fund aims to identify and invest in promising startups in South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies.
Hyundai also plans to foster collaborations between selected startups and its affiliates to internalize next-generation innovations across the company. Since launching the ZER01NE platform in 2018, Hyundai Motor Group has established two prior funds that have supported 105 startups and generated over 200 collaborative projects within the group. Noh Kyu-seung, head of the ZER01NE division at Hyundai Motor Group, said, “By deepening collaboration with innovative startups, we aim to generate meaningful synergies across our affiliates and accelerate our future-ready business initiatives.”
Hyundai Mobis, the auto parts affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group, has been strengthening its global competitiveness in future mobility and electrification.
Over the past three years, the company has filed more than 7,500 patents, with over 3,000 related to electrification, autonomous driving systems, and connected vehicle technologies. This reflects Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and sustaining its position at the forefront of technological advancements in the automotive industry.
Deanna Ritchie is a managing editor at DevX. She has a degree in English Literature. She has written 2000+ articles on getting out of debt and mastering your finances. She has edited over 60,000 articles in her life. She has a passion for helping writers inspire others through their words. Deanna has also been an editor at Entrepreneur Magazine and ReadWrite.
