# Youngrok Kim

> Youngrok Kim, also known as Rocky Kim, is the founder and CEO of Next Challenge Foundation, a Korean startup accelerator established in 2019. A former architect and entrepreneurship educator, he chairs Next Challenge School, writes about startups, and works on regional startup communities and international collaboration.

- **Role:** Founder and CEO at Next Challenge Foundation
- **Organizations:** Next Challenge Foundation, Next Challenge School, Next Challenge Asia, Next Challenge Ventures, Korea Venture Business Association, Hanyang University, Fudan University, Incheon Center for Creative Economy and Innovation
- **Education:** Business administration graduate, Handong University, Master’s degree in Management of Technology (MOT), Sogang University, Doctoral coursework completed in management consulting; doctorate not stated, Hanyang University
- **Known for:** Founded Next Challenge Foundation in 2019., Founded TECHRIDER in 2011; his author biography reports approximately 460 participants trained., 2017 Minister of SMEs and Startups merit award.

## Career timeline

- **2011** — Established the multidisciplinary talent academy known as TECHRIDER.
- **2012–2018** — Served at Hanyang University’s Global Entrepreneurship Center.
- **2017** — Received a Minister of SMEs and Startups merit award.
- **2019** — Established Next Challenge Foundation; Startup Bay opened in Seogwipo in June.
- **2021** — Named an honorary citizen of Jeju for contributions to its startup community.
- **2022** — Received an Incheon mayoral commendation for startup ecosystem contributions.
- **2023** — Became vice president of Korea Venture Business Association; foundation selected to operate Google Play Changgu.
- **2025-03** — Next Challenge School opened; Kim serves as chairman.
- **2025-09** — Appointment as visiting professor/visiting researcher at Fudan University announced.
- **2026-03** — Appointment as seventh chairman of Incheon Center for Creative Economy and Innovation announced.
- **2026-10** — Published 탈패턴 인재는 어떻게 만들어지는가 with Choi Hyein; calls it his tenth book on LinkedIn.

## Achievements

- Founded Next Challenge Foundation in 2019.
- Founded TECHRIDER in 2011; his author biography reports approximately 460 participants trained.
- 2017 Minister of SMEs and Startups merit award.
- 2021 honorary Jeju citizenship.
- 2022 Incheon mayoral commendation.
- Chairs Next Challenge School, opened in March 2025.
- Organizational biographies report more than 100,000 copies sold across his works.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — Coauthored 탈패턴 인재는 어떻게 만들어지는가 with Choi Hyein, published by Sam & Parkers. Ebook listing dated October 1; print edition October 7.
- **2026-10** — October 19 foundation republication of his IT Donga essay calls for retaining lessons from failure and improving policy continuity.
- **2026-03** — Foundation announced his appointment as seventh chairman of the Incheon innovation center on March 6.
- **2026-01** — Foundation announced selection to operate Google Play Changgu for 2026–2028.
- **2025-09** — Foundation announced appointment at Fudan University on September 17.

## Links

- Website: https://www.ncf.or.kr/en/about
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocky-kim-bb131113a/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/youngrok-kim
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-24