🔸 Five social innovators driving change through solutions like AI, platforms, and community initiatives selected as the final “Brian Fellows.”
🔸 Notable candidates include those addressing social issues with technologies like AI motion sensor devices for motorcycle driver safety and recycled nylon extraction from discarded fishing nets.
🔸 Up to 4 years of support, with a monthly stipend of 3 million KRW, backed by the Brian Fellow Network and connections to experts.

Brian Impact Selects Five Finalists for ‘Brian Fellow’ Season 5 to Support Their Social Innovation Activities

Brian Impact Foundation, established by Kakao founder Brian Kim, has announced the final five recipients for “Brian Fellow” Season 5, a program supporting social innovators. This season particularly highlighted candidates who actively utilize technology to solve social problems. Selected fellows will receive a monthly activity stipend of 3 million KRW for up to four years, along with support in networking, technology, and platforms needed for their projects.

Brian Impact is a foundation dedicated to discovering and supporting organizations and innovators tackling social issues through AI and scientific technology. The Brian Fellow program focuses on individuals contributing to solving social problems, enabling them to continue pursuing innovative challenges for a better world. Fellows can autonomously use the funds to direct resources where needed and achieve self-defined goals.

The final five fellows are:
△ Kyungmok Kim (Starpickers) △ Jaewon Kim (Refeely) △ Subean Park (Stair Crusher Club) △ Taeksu Jung (NetSpa) △ Hyunsik Cho (Ongi)

Earlier this year, the foundation publicly recruited applicants for Season 5 through the Brian Fellow website from May 2 to May 31. A network of experts and leaders from various fields participated in the selection process, conducting multifaceted evaluations of candidates.

This season stood out for the innovative use of technology to solve social issues. Highlights include AI motion sensor devices to enhance motorcycle driver safety, paper packaging production technology to replace plastics, recycled nylon extraction from discarded fishing nets, and apps collecting and sharing accessibility data for mobility-challenged individuals.

– Kyungmok Kim (Starpickers)
Operates “RiderLog,” a service aimed at creating a sustainable mobility environment for delivery riders and rural seniors using motorcycles. The service collects driving data through AI-based motion sensors to prevent accidents and establish insurance systems for riders, improving their working conditions and reducing public complaints about accidents.

– Jaewon Kim (Refeely)
Proposes a packaging solution using paper cartons traditionally limited to beverages like milk and soy milk to replace plastic. By developing facilities to produce paper cartons in Korea, the project aims to reduce carbon emissions, increase recycling rates, and promote refill lifestyles.

– Subean Park (Stair Crusher Club)
Operates “Stair Conquest Map,” an app that collects and shares location data for mobility-challenged individuals in partnership with a membership community called “Crusher Club.” This initiative aims to achieve the vision of “unhindered mobility for mobility-challenged individuals and their friends.”

– Taeksu Jung (NetSpa)
Develops technology to extract recycled nylon from discarded fishing nets to address marine waste issues. The project improves the marine environment by recycling fishing nets and provides recycled nylon to companies, aiding in the production of eco-friendly products.

– Hyunsik Cho (Ongi)
Runs “Ongi Mailbox,” an emotional support project where individuals receive handwritten letters in response to anonymous concerns. The organization also provides “Ongi Letter,” a newsletter service aimed at easing social members’ depression and promoting mental health through an integrated online and offline system.

Park Subean, Co-CEO of Stair Crusher Club and one of this year’s Brian Fellows, expressed gratitude, stating, “Being selected as a Brian Fellow feels like recognition and encouragement, assuring us that our work is meaningful and worth supporting. This program increases sustainability for individuals and their work, allowing us to focus more on solving problems and creating progress in collaboration with other innovators.”

Brian Impact supports fellows not only with the monthly stipend but also through networking opportunities. The “Brian Fellow Community” provides a platform for collaboration and connections with experts across various fields, enabling fellows to build a strong foundation of support for their initiatives.

Project Directors Lee Sooyeon and Choi Seunghye of Brian Impact remarked, “We believe that discovering and supporting innovators driving positive change in society is essential to amplifying their social impact. We hope their innovative efforts will continue to create meaningful changes across society in diverse ways.”