▲ What kind of startup is GeoGrid?

GeoGrid’s mission is to create an environment where anyone can access clean and healthy water through data-based management.
The company manages building water pipelines to remove and prevent rust, scale (mineral and metallic ion deposits), and slime (bacterial biofilm) while purifying and sterilizing tap water.

GeoGrid’s smart system allows users to monitor real-time water quality, ensuring safe tap water usage.
This technology can be applied not only to residential buildings, but also to public facilities, cafeterias, hospitals, and hotels.

▲ What inspired the founding of the company?

Although Korea’s tap water quality is among the best in the world, distrust of old water pipes has reduced the drinking rate to one-tenth the OECD average.
The social cost of addressing these issues exceeds ₩6 trillion annually.

Existing water quality improvement projects mainly focus on production facilities and large-scale plants.
GeoGrid instead developed a building-level purification system that installs “mini plants” directly where water is used — enabling users to drink clean tap water right from the source.

▲ Tell us about your team.

GeoGrid was co-founded by CEO Kim Ki-hyun and Co-CEO Choi Sung-hoon, supported by a strong and diverse team.

• Kim Ki-hyun, CEO — veteran entrepreneur with 20 years of experience and over 10 patents related to water systems.

• Choi Sung-hoon, Co-CEO — developed monitoring software through government R&D programs.

• Seo Hyun-jin, Director — oversees investment and global marketing.

• Park Dong-du, Director — leads marketing strategy.

• Kim Min-seok, Director — manages production and manufacturing.

• Jung Hyung-wook, Head of Data Division — responsible for data analysis.

• Lee Ji-ha, Manager — leads hardware development.

  
  

▲ What are your main products?

GeoGrid offers several integrated solutions:

• Eco-friendly Building Smart Purification Plant — manages and monitors an entire building’s water pipelines.

• Battery-Free Remote Water Metering System — enables real-time monitoring without battery replacement.

• Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring System — displays current water quality to users.

• Water Energy Data Analytics System — analyzes environmental factors affecting water energy for efficient management.

▲ How does GeoGrid generate revenue?

The company sells and installs its systems in schools, apartment complexes (both new and aging), public institutions, swimming pools, and cafeterias.
After a one-year free maintenance period, GeoGrid charges building- or household-based subscription fees for ongoing management and data services.

▲ Do you have investment plans?

GeoGrid completed product development over 2 years and 8 months without external investment, relying on ₩1 billion in cumulative government R&D grants.
The company also completed Proof of Concept (PoC) testing in Jongno District, Seoul, and secured additional sales channels.
GeoGrid expects to achieve ₩1 billion in revenue this year (2023) and is preparing for a Pre-A funding round under the TIPS program, with a Series A round planned for next year.

▲ What government support do you hope to see?

We hope the government will expand opportunities for real-world testing and pilot projects so startups can more easily verify and demonstrate their technologies.

▲ Do you have a role model startup?

We look up to Allink, an NFC-based information delivery solution provider.
Their ability to create a new market from a single product idea mirrors GeoGrid’s vision and serves as strong inspiration.

▲ What are your future plans?

Following the Pre-A investment round, GeoGrid plans to launch its Series A funding stage next year.
The company aims to achieve ₩1 billion in revenue this year and ₩5 billion in 2024, expand overseas after completing domestic pilots, and continue strengthening its competitiveness through national R&D programs.

Source: Startup Today — Reporter Kim Seok-jin (sjk@startuptoday.kr)