This year's achievements carry particular significance, as companies faced especially challenging conditions due to uncertainties in the international trade environment — including U.S. reciprocal tariffs and the U.S.-China trade dispute — as well as high exchange rates.

Held under the theme "The Future of Daegu's Economy — SMEs Are the Key!", the conference featured the following programs:

▲ Daegu SME Award Ceremony ▲ Outstanding Star Company Award Ceremony ▲ Opening remarks, congratulatory speeches, and words of encouragement.

〈SME Award Recipients – 6 Companies〉

The SME Award is presented to outstanding companies that have achieved remarkable results in exports and revenue, contributed to regional economic development, and set an example for others through new technology development and management innovation. This year, 6 companies were selected from a pool of 20 candidates, representing diverse industries that are key to Daegu's economy, including medical devices, energy, automotive parts, and textiles.

The Grand Prize was awarded to Korea BNC Co., Ltd., a leading medical device manufacturer in Daegu. The company developed Korea's first HA filler as a domestic biotech venture, gained recognition for its biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing capabilities backed by a strong R&D team and facilities, and was listed on the KOSDAQ market in 2019 with steady revenue growth. Last year, it received the $30 Million Export Tower Award, establishing itself as a global medical device company with strong growth prospects ahead.

The Excellence Prize was awarded to KORYO CABLE Co., Ltd. and Bestool Co., Ltd. KORYO CABLE, founded in Daegu in 1964, is a specialized manufacturer of insulated wires and cables. Selected as the first company under Daegu's 'Reshoring Program' in 2021, it invested approximately ₩60 billion to expand and relocate its headquarters and factory to Seongeo 3rd Industrial Complex. This year, the company introduced ultra-high voltage power cable production facilities, and its continued growth is highly anticipated.

Bestool Co., Ltd., a specialist manufacturer of office chairs and furniture, has been a leading Daegu-based company for 30 years. With over 130 patents and design registrations and multiple design award recognitions, it became the first Asian supplier to global furniture leader Steelcase, demonstrating its competitiveness in the global market.

The Merit Prize was awarded to three companies: DHG Co., Ltd., COARN Co., Ltd., and Hansol IMB Co., Ltd. DHG achieved rapid growth in the automotive parts industry based on its world-first technology that unified the EGR valve manufacturing process, with further competitiveness gains expected through AI-integrated intelligent manufacturing systems.

COARN, a specialist manufacturer of electrode production equipment for secondary batteries, has expanded into eco-friendly energy businesses, participating in ESS, battery recycling, and national R&D projects. Notably, its workforce approximately doubled compared to the previous year.

Hansol IMB, operating under its own blind brand 'Dexter', supplies over 500 domestic and international clients with stable revenue. Through continuous investment in technology and design — including the development of energy-saving fabric with over 70% solar reflectance — it achieved the $7 Million Export Tower Award in 2021.

〈Outstanding Star Companies – 10 Companies〉

The Star Company Development Program is a tailored support initiative to nurture promising SMEs with strong technological capabilities into mid-sized enterprises, running for 19 years since 2007. The Outstanding Star Company Award is presented to companies that have achieved remarkable results in business growth and regional economic revitalization through annual evaluations.

This year's recipients are: STM Co., Ltd. (automotive parts), NUC Electronics Co., Ltd. (small kitchen appliances), Odae Co., Ltd. (automotive transmission), Korea BNC Co., Ltd. (medical devices including fillers), Human Plus Co., Ltd. (automotive electronics), Sophos Co., Ltd. (industrial textiles), Aretech Co., Ltd. (semiconductor equipment), UND Co., Ltd. (robotic tool changers), Korea Park Golf Co., Ltd. (park golf equipment), and Hallim Technology Co., Ltd. (safety monitoring systems) — 10 companies in total.

The average revenue of these companies in 2024 was ₩35.6 billion, with an average workforce of 107 employees. Notably, NUC Electronics and Korea BNC recorded revenues of ₩73 billion and ₩64 billion respectively last year, achieving over 20% growth compared to the previous year despite challenging conditions. Additionally, UND and Korea Park Golf grew from Pre-Star to Star Company status based on stable revenue growth, drawing attention as exemplary cases of the program's success.

Kim Jeong-gi, Acting Mayor and Administrative Vice Mayor of Daegu Metropolitan City, stated, "Small and medium-sized enterprises are the core driving force of Daegu's economy. I extend my sincere gratitude to the SME leaders who have achieved outstanding results through great entrepreneurial spirit despite difficult economic conditions. Daegu will continue to provide unwavering support to help SMEs build competitiveness in the global market."