As carbon neutrality becomes a core requirement of industrial competitiveness, the growth of green tech startups has become increasingly prominent. Green tech refers broadly to industries that address environmental issues through technology, including carbon emission reduction, resource circulation, pollution management, and improved energy efficiency. As more attempts are made to overcome challenges that traditional industries have failed to solve through innovative technologies, technology-driven young entrepreneurs are achieving meaningful results. Two technology-based startups growing at the Cheonan Green Startup Town in South Chungcheong Province are leading this wave of green tech innovation: SERA (CEO Doyeon Kim) and Growith (CEO Kang Myungjun).
Growith is an environmental technology startup advancing water quality improvement technologies. Its core product is PaDO, an autonomous floating fountain robot. PaDO moves autonomously on the water surface and circulates water through its fountain function to prevent algal blooms in advance and improve water quality. The system is also equipped with sensors that measure water quality data in real time, enabling continuous monitoring.
Growith CEO Kang Myungjun became interested in environmental issues while working as a project manager at a green tech startup in the Daedeok Research Complex in Daejeon during his undergraduate years. It was during this time that he conceived the idea for PaDO. To further develop the concept, Kang established a startup club himself, which eventually led to product development. PaDO has been developed to the MVP stage and is currently undergoing demonstration tests at locations including Daecheong Dam in Daejeon and Jahayeon Pond at Seoul National University. Growith has received recognition for its technological capabilities, including winning the SBS Climate & Environment Award in the water category and being selected to participate in CES 2026. Kang stated, “Next year, we plan to collaborate with research laboratories to pursue systematic validation,” adding, “Our goal is to see PaDO improve the water quality of all lakes in Korea and eventually operate around the world.”
Source:대전일보(Daejeon Ilbo)(https://www.daejonilbo.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=2239608)