Global Startup Competition IR Held

100 Domestic and International Startups Take the Challenge

Tension filled the air throughout the "Global Startup Competition" hosted by the World Federation of Korean Economic and Trade Associations (World OKTA) at COEX Magok in Seoul on the 31st. After the three-minute presentations by startups seeking investment, questions poured in from overseas global venture capital (VC) investment managers who had traveled from regions such as Silicon Valley and Texas.
 

One hundred domestic and international startups entered the competition for the second time, following the event held last October. World OKTA brought 24 Korean startups, selected through preliminary rounds, to the stage. Seven global VCs, including Inmotion Ventures, Plug and Play, and Probest Partners, participated in the judging. World OKTA will grant the two final winning companies the opportunity to conduct a Proof of Concept (POC) in Silicon Valley to demonstrate the viability of their products.
 

This event saw a large number of companies aiming to enter the global market based on their artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Jo Jun-sang, Vice President of Chabot Mobility, a startup that developed an auto-commerce platform connecting new car quotes, finance, insurance, and vehicle maintenance services, stated in an interview that day, “Although we have built 10 years of experience domestically, we are just taking our first steps in overseas business,” adding, “We want to secure a network to enter the U.S. market.”
 

Twinny, a startup that developed autonomous robots used in logistics centers, revealed plans to enter the U.S. market starting this year. Cheon Hong-seok, CEO of Twinny, said, “With robots that can be deployed without separate infrastructure, we can reduce work errors by 90% and shorten worker movement paths by 70%,” adding, “Based on the experience we have accumulated domestically, we are preparing for a full-scale entry into the U.S. market this year.”
 

Wis Medical, a medical device startup, showcased a sleep diagnostic patch that conveniently collects sleep data and analyzes it using AI without requiring a visit to a hospital. The presentation by Cera, a startup developing an AI modular data center that enhances energy efficiency using natural fiber composite materials, also drew attention.
 

Reporter Hwang Jung-hwan
jung@hankyung.com

Posted 2026.03.31 17:25
Modified 2026.04.01 00:46 
https://www.hankyung.com/article/2026033194771