Cools has been selected for the 5th Busan cohort of KDB NextONE, the startup development program run by Korea Development Bank. The cohort launched on July 22.
This round drew 128 applicants for 15 places, a ratio of 8.5 to 1. The selected companies work mainly in AI, advanced defense, and bio-health.
Participants receive tailored IR programs, fundraising consulting, and commercialization support. They are given dedicated workspace at the bank's Busan branch, along with global network matching through KDB Silicon Valley and access to overseas roadshows.
According to Korea Development Bank, KDB NextONE has supported 62 companies since it began in June 2024, and 28 of them raised a combined 40.8 billion won during the program.
Cools was founded in April 2026 in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, and develops thermal control technology for advanced semiconductor packaging. Its Thermal Clutch changes the cooling architecture of the HBM bonding process. The company operates in cooling module supply, joint equipment development, and IP licensing.