A two-week, real-world entrepreneurship experience in Seoul for high school students ready to collaborate, take on responsibility, and learn in a global context.
Seoul Summer Innovation Challenge
Location: Seoul
Dates: July 27 - Aug 7, 2026
Schedule: Mon - Fri, 10 am - 5 pm
Ages: 14-18
Residential & Commuter Options
장소: 서울
기간: 2026년 7월 27일 - 8월 7일
시간: 월요일 - 금요일, 오전 10시 - 오후 5시
대상: 13-18세
숙박 및 통학 옵션 제공
Seoul
A Global City Shaping the Future of Innovation
Seoul is one of the world’s most dynamic innovation hubs — where technology, culture, commerce, and global influence intersect at remarkable speed. Seoul offers a unique lens into:
How companies scale rapidly in competitive markets
How technology shapes everyday life and consumer behavior
How global brands adapt to cultural context
How innovation looks outside a Western framework
This context gives students a chance to explore entrepreneurship not as a formula, but as a response to real-world forces.
The Seoul Innovation Challenge
An intensive two-week program, Hudson Lab Ventures’ Seoul program is anchored by a real-world innovation challenge sponsored by Coupang, the Amazon of Korea and one of the country’s largest employers. Coupang operates at the intersection of retail, technology, and consumer behavior at massive scale. Working in this context gives students a lens into how fast-growing technology companies think about markets, users, and systems in the real world. Students learn how innovation, culture, and technology interact at speed and scale.
Rather than working through a predefined case, students engage with open-ended questions shaped by cultural context, platform dynamics, and consumer behavior. The focus is on learning how to observe carefully, frame meaningful problems, and develop ideas that respond to real constraints.
By working in this environment, students develop perspective, judgment, and confidence. These qualities matter whether they are preparing for university applications, future leadership opportunities, or meaningful work in a global context.
서울 혁신 챌린지
허드슨 랩 벤처스의 서울 프로그램은 한국 최대 기술 기업이자 고용 중심 기업 중 하나인 쿠팡이 후원하는 실제 혁신 과제를 중심으로 진행되는 2주간의 집중적인 경험입니다.
쿠팡은 소매, 기술, 소비자 행동이 교차하는 지점에서 대규모로 사업을 운영합니다. 이러한 환경에서의 경험은 학생들에게 빠르게 성장하는 기술 기업들이 실제 시장, 사용자, 시스템을 어떻게 생각하는지에 대한 실질적인 시각을 제공합니다. 학생들은 혁신, 문화, 기술이 어떻게 빠른 속도와 규모로 상호작용하는지 직접 목격하게 됩니다.
미리 정해진 사례를 따르는 대신, 학생들은 문화적 맥락, 플랫폼의 역동성, 소비자 행동에 의해 형성되는 개방형 질문에 참여하게 됩니다. 주의 깊게 관찰하고, 의미 있는 문제를 정의하고, 실제 제약 조건에 대응하는 아이디어를 개발하는 방법을 배우는 데 중점을 둡니다.
이러한 환경에서의 경험을 통해 학생들은 관점, 판단력, 자신감을 키울 수 있습니다. 이러한 자질은 학생들이 대학 진학, 미래의 리더십 기회, 또는 글로벌 무대에서 의미 있는 일을 준비하는 데 있어 매우 중요합니다.
학생들에게 기업의 문제를 해결하도록 요구하는 것은 아닙니다. 그들은 진지하게 생각하고, 책임감 있게 협력하며, 자신의 생각을 명확하게 전달할 것으로 기대됩니다.
한국 문의 및 지원 문의: sukhwa@hudsonlabventures.com
또는 010 7708 9927
미래의 리더를 위한 특별한 여름! 지금 신청하세요!
A Global Experience with
Real-World Relevance
The Seoul program is designed for students preparing for a global future. Through the innovation challenge, students gain:
Experience working on real-world questions connected to a global company
Exposure to how innovation operates outside a Western context
Practice applying strategy, creativity, and problem-solving to complex situations
The opportunity to build work they can reflect on in future academic and professional settings
Students learn alongside experienced Hudson Lab Ventures educators and practitioners, developing skills that extend well beyond the two-week program.
실질적인 의미를 지닌 글로벌 경험
서울 프로그램은 글로벌 미래를 준비하는 학생들을 위해 설계되었습니다. 혁신 챌린지를 통해 학생들은 다음과 같은 경험을 얻게 됩니다.
글로벌 기업과 연계된 실제 문제 해결 경험
서구권 밖의 환경에서 혁신이 어떻게 이루어지는지 이해
복잡한 상황에 전략, 창의성, 문제 해결 능력을 적용하는 연습
향후 학업 및 직업 환경에서 활용할 수 있는 결과물을 만들어낼 기회
학생들은 허드슨 랩 벤처스의 경험 많은 교육자 및 실무자들과 함께 학습하며, 2주간의 프로그램 이후에도 활용할 수 있는 역량을 개발합니다.
Is This the Right Program for Your Child?
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The NYC program is designed for high school students (typically ages 14–18) who are curious, motivated, and ready to engage seriously with complex, real-world problems.
Students do not need prior experience in entrepreneurship or business. They do need to be willing to participate actively, collaborate with peers, and take responsibility for their work.
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Students who thrive often:
Enjoy collaborative problem solving
Are curious about how ideas turn into action
Are open to feedback and iteration
Are willing to speak up, even when unsure
Introverted students often do very well, especially when given time to build confidence through practice and supportive facilitation.
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Hudson Lab Ventures is not a simulation or a class.
Students work on real challenges connected to real organizations, receive feedback from practitioners, and present their work to authentic audiences.
Responsibility is real, expectations are high, and students are treated as capable young adults.
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Students are expected to:
Participate fully in teamwork
Make decisions and explain their thinking
Manage their time and contributions
Learn from mistakes and revise their work
Facilitators provide structure and support, but students are not micromanaged.
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Students seeking a recreational summer are probably not the right fit. Students uncomfortable with ambiguity (often high-achievers) may struggle at first, but this program is exactly what you need.
The Seoul Innovation Challenge
In this 2-week immersive innovation challenge, Hudson Lab Ventures partners with Coupang, the Amazon of Korea and one of the country’s largest employers. Students will travel to Seoul, where they’ll work on real-world challenges at the intersection of retail, technology, and youth culture.
There will be a limited number of participants. The program will be capped at a maximum of 25 students including 10+ local Korean students and international students hailing from around the globe. All sessions will be conducted in English.
The Seoul Innovation Challenge
Hudson Lab Ventures 글로벌 혁신 프로그램. 고등학생이 직접 글로벌 기업의 실제 과제를 해결하는 2주간의 집중 프로그램! 뉴욕, 리스본, 포르투에서 검증된 프로그램이 이제 서울에서!
미래를 준비하는 글로벌 학생을 위한 최고의 기회!
- 진짜 기업과 실전 경험
- 미국 명문대 지원을 위한 차별화된 포트폴리오 구
- 리더십과 창의적 문제 해결 능력 배양
- 미국의 선도적인 기업가 및 교육자들과 함께 전략, 혁신, 창의적인 문제 해결 능력 함양
한국 문의 및 지원 문의: sukhwa@hudsonlabventures.com
또는 010 7708 9927
미래의 리더를 위한 특별한 여름! 지금 신청하세요!
Understand the Challenge
Meet the challenge sponsor, explore context, and build empathy for the problem.
Program Rhythm
How the two weeks unfold
Reframe & Prioritize Problems
Dig into stakeholder needs, surface insights, and identify problems worth solving.
Pitch to an Authentic Audience
Students pitch their work to challenge partners, executives and experts.
Pitch & Form Teams
Students pitch ideas and form teams around the most compelling ones.
Design & Develop Solutions
Teams research, iterate, and refine their solutions while preparing a persuasive pitch.
Live in Seoul
This summer, students will dive into the dynamic energy of Seoul—one of the world’s most exciting and forward-thinking cities. From the neon buzz of Hongdae to the ancient palaces of Gyeongbokgung, Seoul is where centuries-old tradition meets cutting-edge innovation. Students will wander bustling street markets, try iconic Korean street food, and experience K-culture firsthand—from fashion and beauty to music and tech. Whether they're exploring serene mountain trails or shopping in sleek design districts, every day offers a new adventure. With its vibrant neighborhoods, late-night cafes, and spirit of relentless creativity, Seoul is more than a destination—it’s a glimpse into the future.
Check-in: Sun, July 26
Check-out: Sat, August 8
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Living on Columbia’s Morningside campus gives students a true taste of summer in New York City. Between sessions, students might relax on the iconic steps of Low Library, work out at Dodge Fitness Center, explore the Butler Library stacks, or grab a meal in the dining hall or at a nearby neighborhood spot.
Live-in Resident Advisors are on hand to support students and ensure their well-being, creating a safe and memorable summer experience on campus.
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Residential students are supervised by live-in Resident Advisors (RAs) in coordination with Hudson Lab Ventures staff. RAs live in the residence halls and are available to support students, enforce expectations, and respond to concerns outside of program hours.
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Students living on campus are expected to follow program guidelines, respect shared spaces, and communicate with Resident Advisors when needed. Clear expectations around curfews, movement, and conduct are shared with students and families before the program begins.
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Residential life includes access to campus dining as well as nearby neighborhood options. Specific details about meals, gym access, linens, and other logistics are shared with enrolled families in advance.
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Expectations around movement on and off campus are clearly defined and age-appropriate. Students are not expected to navigate the city independently, and guidelines are designed to balance responsibility, safety, and the realities of being in New York City.
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Meet one of our group leaders in New York and fly together to Seoul, Korea. Learn more about how we organized travel in 2025 here.
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Taught in English by expert innovators, you’ll apply the innovation process to a business challenge sponsored by a Korean corporation. Hear from successful entrepreneurs and work with local Korean students to apply Design Thinking, Problem Reframing and Stakeholder Mapping to address a real market need. Hopefully you’ll pick up some Korean language and culture in the process.
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Our home in Seoul is a guesthouse residence. Accommodations are dormitory-style.
Breakfast and snacks will be provided onsite. For lunch and dinner, students will have the chance to explore Seoul’s incredible food scene in small groups, with guidance and support from our staff. We’ll organize several optional group dinners during the program and share a curated list of student-friendly restaurants near our program site and accommodations. This approach offers students the freedom to make age-appropriate choices while ensuring they feel supported and safe.
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After work, we’ll head out to explore Seoul—a city where ancient temples and futuristic skyscrapers sit side by side. From tranquil palaces and hidden hanok villages to vibrant street art and late-night markets, Seoul is bursting with culture, creativity, and some of the best food in the world.
The city moves fast, so bring your curiosity—and comfortable shoes—for long walks through bustling neighborhoods, quiet mountain paths, and everything in between.
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On the last day of the program, each team will deliver their refined business pitch to the executives who call the shots. Will your team’s business idea inspire their next venture???
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We’ll fly from Seoul to New York, where you will continue on to your final destination.
Questions about housing or student care? Families are always welcome to reach out or attend an info session.
What Students Leave With
By the end of the NYC program, students leave with:
Experience tackling a real, complex challenge with real expectations
Greater confidence communicating ideas and working in teams
Practice navigating ambiguity, feedback, and iteration
A clearer understanding of how ideas become action in the real world
Perspective gained from learning in a university and city context
Ready to take the next step?
Applications are short and focused on fit and interest rather than prior experience.
Apply to the NYC program or join an info session to learn more.
