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키너지랩 OKTA 글로벌 스타트업 대회 현장 스케치

2026-04-22T17:23:18+09:00

“World OKTA Invests 2 Billion Won in Home Country Startups for Next-Generation Startups”

2026-04-06T13:50:25+09:00

Interview with Lee Sunghak, Co-founder of PROVEST Partners
Judge at the World OKTA AI Startup Competition... Invested in the winning team 'Wis Medical'
Alumnus of Atlanta's Next Generation... Grew into a global investor after 15 years of OKTA activities
Founded an accounting firm followed by a VC... Connected Korean startups to enter the US market
“The Korean startup environment is already sufficient... Global market expansion is key”

Lee Sunghak, co-founder of U.S.-based PROVEST Partners and a former World OKTA Next Generation alumnus,

who decided to invest 2 billion won in the winning company of the World OKTA-hosted AI startup competition. [Reporter Hwang Bok-hee]

A Korean investor from the next generation of World OKTA (World Federation of Korean Economic and Trade Associations) invested 2 billion won in a startup discovered by OKTA.

Lee Sunghak (48), co-founder of PROVEST Partners, an investment firm based in Atlanta, USA, decided to invest approximately 2 billion won in Wis Medical (CEO Lee Sung Hoon), a startup that won joint first place at the '2026 Global AI Startup Competition' held at Coex Magok in Gangseo-gu, Seoul on March 31.

This competition was held as a side event of the '27th World Representatives Conference and Export Consultation Meeting' hosted by World OKTA. A total of 114 companies applied to participate, and among them, 24 companies advanced to the finals to compete. As a result of the final evaluation, 'Wis Medical' and the Canadian company 'Mion Forest' shared the top prize.

CEO Lee participated as a judge in this competition, following the '2025 OKTA Global Startup Competition' held in Songdo, Incheon last October. He explained, "I met with various startups at last year's competition as well, but I could not find a company that would lead to investment. In this competition, however, I discovered a company that possesses both technological prowess and business potential, leading me to make an investment decision."

In an interview with this publication held at COEX Magok on April 1, CEO Lee shared his thoughts, saying, “It seems that a virtuous cycle has begun in which we are now returning the help we received during the OKTA Next Generation era through investment.”

A 15-year relationship that began with the OKTA Next Generation

Representative Lee's connection with OKTA began about 15 years ago during the Atlanta Next Generation activities.

After starting his activities as a Next Generation member of the Atlanta Chapter, he also participated in a government-supported homeland visit program the following year. He says that the educational programs and networking experiences held in Korea at the time served as a significant turning point in his subsequent global business endeavors. Since then, he served as the Chairman of the Next Generation Committee and Secretary General of the Atlanta Chapter, took on the role of Chairman of the Chapter Board the year before last, and is currently serving as an Auditor for the Atlanta Chapter.

CEO Lee said, “I was able to broaden my perspective on global business through educational programs and trade-related training conducted in Korea during my time as a next-generation entrepreneur,” adding, “I was able to see and learn firsthand how Korean businesspeople operating overseas utilize their networks to expand their businesses.”

He continued, “The education and networking experience I gained at OKTA at the time became a significant asset while doing business in the U.S. later,” adding, “That experience eventually led to investing in Korean startups.”

From founding an accounting firm to establishing an investment company

After graduating from the Department of Economics at Korea University, CEO Lee worked in Korea for about a year before moving to the United States. After building a career in the accounting field, he co-founded an accounting firm in Atlanta about 10 years ago with accountant Yongseok Kwon, who is also a member of the Next Generation.

Currently, this accounting firm operates eight offices in the United States and has grown to a size of 70 to 80 employees. It also maintains an office in Korea. While running the firm, he naturally began the work of connecting Korean startups with U.S. companies.

“As I connected U.S. corporate clients with Korean startups, I often saw synergies between the two. I thought it would be beneficial to go beyond simple introductions and support both investment and entry into the U.S. market.”

Based on this experience, I founded the investment company 'PROVEST Partners' about four years ago.

PROVEST Partners supports Korean startups in entering the U.S. market and plays a role in connecting investment and networks. To date, the investment scale is approximately 15 to 20 billion KRW, and it invests in both U.S. companies and Korean startups.

At the closing ceremony of the '27th World Representatives Conference and Export Consultation Meeting' hosted by World OKTA at COEX Magok in Seoul on April 1,

Lee Sunghak, CEO of Probest Partners (third from the left), poses for a commemorative photo after presenting an investment pledge to Lee Sung Hoon, CEO of Wis Medical (fourth),

the winner of the AI startup competition. To the left of CEO Lee Seong-hak is Park Jong-beom, Chairman of World OKTA, and on the far right is Sun Park, Chairman of the Global Startup Committee.

Investing based on technological prowess and global scalability

'Wis Medical,' the company he invested in at this competition, is a healthcare startup that develops sleep monitoring technology. The company has developed technology that measures sleep data using a skin-attached patch and analyzes sleep states through AI analysis. Its key feature is that this technology enables polysomnography, which is traditionally centered in hospitals, to be performed at home.

CEO Lee cited technological competitiveness and global scalability as the background for the investment decision.

While there are many companies offering sleep analysis technology, there are not many capable of measuring hospital-quality data at home. We made the investment decision based on their technological capabilities and market potential.

In particular, he cited the potential to enter the U.S. market as an important criterion.

It is rare for a business model that succeeded in Korea to work exactly the same way in the United States. What matters is whether the model can be adapted to suit the U.S. market environment.

The Korean startup environment is already good enough.

CEO Lee gave a positive assessment of Korea's startup environment.

Korea has very well-established startup support programs and government assistance. The environment, including office space and funding, is much better than expected.

However, he emphasized that strategies for Korean startups to expand into the global market will become increasingly important in the future. “Because the Korean market is small, they eventually have to go overseas,” he said, adding that “overseas Korean networks can play that connecting role.”

He also revealed his vision to create a structure in the long term where overseas Koreans invest and leverage regional networks to help Korean startups expand globally.

Korean startups possess sufficient competitiveness in both technological capabilities and the startup environment. I believe the key now is building networks to expand into the global market.

CEO Lee expressed his expectation, stating, “If a structure is established where Korean businesspeople around the world jointly support investment and market entry, there will be more global success stories for Korean startups.”

Reporter Hwang Bok-hee

dongponews@hanmail.net
Posted 2026.04.01 22:05
Updated 2026.04.04 12:35

https://www.dongponews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=57147

Wis Medical Wins World OKTA… Ushering in the Era of 'Home Polysomnography'

2026-04-06T11:30:50+09:00

(Seoul = Yonhap Infomax) Reporter Jae-heon Lee = Wis Medical, an innovative medical device startup, announced on the 2nd that it won the '2nd Global Startup Competition' hosted by the World Federation of Korean Business Associations (World OKTA).

This achievement was obtained through a competition among over 100 domestic and international startups. Venture capital (VC) analysts from overseas, including Silicon Valley and Texas, evaluated the technological capabilities and market potential.

Wis Medical unveiled 'Tedream,' an AI-based sleep diagnostic wearable, at this event. Tedream collects and analyzes data comparable to a polysomnography test at home, without the need to visit a hospital. Traditional polysomnography (PSG) required patients to attach more than 30 sensors to their bodies and spend a night at a hospital. This method had limitations, as the actual sleep state was distorted due to the sensation of foreign objects and environmental differences.

Tedream is a small wireless patch attached to the forehead or chest. It simultaneously measures multiple biosignals, including electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), electromyogram (EMG), electrooculogram (EOG), and oxygen saturation, while minimizing user discomfort. It is recognized as "Home PSG" technology capable of hospital-level precision diagnosis. The efficiency of testing has also been enhanced through the incorporation of artificial intelligence analysis technology.

Wis Medical is a spin-off from Georgia Tech in the United States. It was founded by Professor Yeo Woon-Hong, an authority in the field of wearable health monitoring, and CEO Lee Sung Hoon. It possesses unrivaled sensor design and AI biosignal analysis capabilities.

It has already proven its competitiveness by winning the CES 2026 Innovation Award. It is currently accumulating clinical data in collaboration with major domestic hospitals and U.S. researchers. It is also pursuing a strategy for overseas expansion, including obtaining approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

CEO Lee Sung Hoon stated, "Wis Medical will usher in the 'Home PSG' era, enabling anyone to conveniently manage their sleep health at home, and lead the AI digital healthcare market."

Wis Medical plans to fully enter the U.S. market based on the global network and Proof of Concept (PoC) opportunities secured through World OKTA. The company intends to expand its business once mass production and regulatory approvals are in place.

Wis Medical Wins the 2nd Global Startup Competition

[Source: Wis Medical]

Reporter Lee Jae-heon

jhlee2@yna.co.kr

Posted 2026.04.02 15:57

Updated 2026.04.02 15:58

https://news.einfomax.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=4407472

[Startup-ing] Wis Medical “Flexible Devices and AI-based Biosignal Measurement, Ushering in an Era of Personalized Healthcare”

2026-04-06T11:11:02+09:00

[IT Dong-A Reporter Cha Ju-kyung] Undergoing tests that measure the body's vital signs, such as polysomnography or electrocardiograms, at a hospital is complicated in many ways. Patients must set aside time to visit the hospital, wait for a long time, and undergo measurements over several hours while various sensors connected by wires are attached all over their bodies. It is also uncomfortable to have to remain still for a long period with cold gel applied and tape and sensors attached. As a result, there are many cases where test results are inaccurate because patients become too anxious or uncomfortable.

Lee Sung Hoon, CEO of the healthcare startup Wis Medical, realized these practical inconveniences while studying electrical and electronic engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Believing that he could solve this by utilizing the flexible devices and biosensor technologies he was researching, he founded Wis Medical together with Yeo Woon-Hong, a distinguished professor of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology.

Lee Sung Hoon, CEO of Wis Medical / Source: IT Donga

Wis Medical makes various biosignal measurement devices using flexible elements that are highly pliable and soft to the touch. By adding artificial intelligence data analysis technology, it accurately captures and precisely analyzes numerous biosignals. Its flagship device is the wireless sleep diagnostic wearable device 'Tedream'.

Humans spend one-third of their lives sleeping. It is during sleep that we recover from fatigue and gain the energy to start a new day. Consequently, poor sleep leads to easy exhaustion and leaves one vulnerable to various chronic diseases. A polysomnography (sleep study) is used to determine whether someone is sleeping well, but as mentioned previously, this requires visiting a hospital, attaching over 30 sensors to the body, and staying for an extended period. It also requires the assistance of a sleep technician.

Difference between conventional polysomnography (left) and Wis Medical Tedream (right) / Source: Wis Medical

Wis Medical states that there are approximately 8.4 million patients with sleep disorders in Korea alone, and that about 7.4 million of them, or 85%, have not yet received a clear diagnosis. They further emphasize that by utilizing their developed Tedream, biosignal measurement devices, and artificial intelligence analysis technology, these patients can receive a clear sleep diagnosis in a much easier, simpler, and more affordable way.

Unlike conventional wired measuring devices, Wis Medical’s Tedream biosignal measuring device is a very small wireless device. Thanks to its soft and flexible body, it adheres to the body much better and causes minimal discomfort. There is no need to apply cold gel either. As a result, it rarely detaches even when the patient tosses and turns, moves, or even runs. Since it remains constantly attached to the patient's body, it accurately captures and records various biosignals.

Flexible device biosignal measuring device developed by Wis Medical / Source: Wis Medical

Adding AI signal analysis technology to this increases its utility severalfold. Until now, sleep technicians have manually analyzed signals detected by bio-signal measuring devices. Consequently, the analysis process took anywhere from several days to several weeks, with errors occurring at times. However, AI works tirelessly and more accurately than humans. Hence, Wis Medical’s Tedream accurately analyzes sleep signals in just 30 minutes (95% accuracy). It also instantly generates a comprehensive report based on the analysis.

Using Wis Medical Tedream is convenient for both hospitals and patients. Hospitals can improve test accuracy by adopting only Wis Medical Tedream, instead of expensive and complex polysomnography equipment. Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, it quickly and accurately analyzes sleep signals and even generates reports. It reduces overall costs and time required for polysomnography while increasing accuracy.

Wis Medical CEO Lee Sung Hoon (far right) and employees during R&D / Source: IT Dong-a

According to Wis Medical, performing polysomnography with Tedream increases diagnostic efficiency by 3.4 times and shortens the time to produce results by 240 times. Thanks to the precise diagnosis of a patient's sleep state using artificial intelligence, it is possible to suggest not only personalized diagnoses but also customized treatment methods.

The benefits for patients are even greater. They can easily perform polysomnography at home without visiting a hospital. The biosignal measuring device is made of soft material that adheres well to the body with minimal discomfort, making the test much more convenient. There is no need to wait for hours at the hospital. Accurate testing is performed simply by attaching three of Wis Medical's Tedream measuring devices to the body while going about daily life or sleeping.

Wis Medical showcasing technology at CES 2026 / Source: Wis Medical

Following the development of Tedream, CEO Lee Sung Hoon planned to advance flexible devices and AI analysis technologies to play an active role in a wider range of biosignal measurement sectors. In fact, the flexible devices developed by Wis Medical measure not only movement and snoring sounds but also brainwaves (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electrooculography (EOG), electrocardiogram (ECG), and oxygen saturation (SpO2). The company has already formed a Soft Electronics Business Group with major hospitals in Korea and the Wearable Electronics Center at Georgia Tech in the United States. Subsequently, it is collaborating with neurology, psychiatry, and intensive care units to demonstrate the flexible devices and further advance its AI capabilities.

Another notable feature is that, unlike existing devices which could only identify a single biosignal per unit, Wis Medical's flexible device can measure multiple biosignals with just a single unit. CEO Lee Sung Hoon added that, theoretically, almost all biosignal measurement equipment is manufactured using Wis Medical's flexible devices. He also emphasized that through countless hours of research and experimentation to create a finished product that fits the human body perfectly, they have achieved a rare case of commercializing flexible elements—something that remains very uncommon globally.

Wis Medical introducing their technology to international officials / Source: Wis Medical

The employees of Wis Medical, including CEO Lee Sung Hoon and Co-CEO Yeo Woon-Hong, are actively involved in the entire product commercialization cycle, taking charge of wearable sensor design and signal processing, software development and artificial intelligence, and clinical research. They share two core values. The first is to move beyond the research stage and 'create clinically applicable technology' that enters actual medical settings to provide real utility to patients and the second is to engage in 'data-driven decision-making.' The intent is to simultaneously enhance both performance and reliability based on the data gathered during product development and improvement processes.

By rapidly completing technical development and commercialization under these values, Wis Medical has achieved significant milestones in a short period. Immediately after its founding, the company strengthened its technological foundation by participating in TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startups) and government R&D projects, while also showcasing its capabilities at major global tech exhibitions like CES. Consequently, following the Korea Digital Innovation Award, the company secured an Innovation Award at CES 2026 and was also named a 'Medical Innovation Company' by Fortune Korea.

Wis Medical, winner of the CES 2026 Innovation Award / Source: Wis Medical

Based on its achievements, Wis Medical is addressing the challenges necessary for growth one by one. It is already partnering with various hospitals to secure clinical data in preparation for medical device regulatory approval. Several hospitals, clinics, and medical institutions in Korea are already utilizing Wis Medical's flexible device products for research purposes. At the same time, the company is proceeding with the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approval process with the goal of entering the U.S. market. By engaging regulatory agencies as partners, it is establishing regulatory strategies for both domestic and international markets. Through the clinical data obtained during this process, Wis Medical aims to raise awareness of its devices while simultaneously enhancing the reliability and performance of its artificial intelligence.

The company is also accelerating the advancement of its AI, which serves as the central pillar of its business. It has already secured approximately 15,000 hours of sleep data in collaboration with major Korean hospitals. By integrating additional sleep data from patients with underlying conditions—such as stroke and dementia—the company is currently refining its AI models. The ultimate goal is to enable the AI to identify not only a patient's existing conditions but also potential underlying diseases in advance.

Following polysomnography, the company is further enhancing its capabilities in collecting and analyzing various biosignals, such as brainwaves, heart rate, and electromyography. This will enable Wis Medical's technology to play a significant role not only in sleep disorders but also in the treatment of dementia and depression, as well as in the field of heart disease. Research and development of artificial intelligence technology to improve diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility in these sectors is already underway. In line with this, the company is continuing collaborations with construction firms and bed manufacturers. The goal is to jointly research biosignal detection for construction workers and functional beds enhanced with sleep induction and massage capabilities. Once these challenges are resolved, preparations for mass production based on a GMP manufacturing system have been completed to ensure a rapid market entry and product supply.

Wis Medical employees / Source: IT Donga

Joint research and project execution with research institutions are also expected to become a key capability of Wis Medical. An example is the ongoing research project supported by the Institute of Information & Communication Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP), titled "Construction of a Robust and Generalizable Bioelectrical Signal Foundation Model and Study on the Clinical Utility of Disease Diagnostic Models Utilizing It." The purpose of this research, conducted in collaboration with Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Georgia Institute of Technology in the U.S., and Chungnam National University Hospital, is to generate clear data in areas where data is scarce, such as electroencephalograms (EEGs) and electromyograms (EMGs), and to build a foundation model based on this data for use in artificial intelligence research. Furthermore, Wis Medical has established plans to strengthen its technology by linking this research to clinical applications.

CEO Lee Sung Hoon stated, “We will deploy our technology in the sleep diagnosis sector to accumulate diverse data. We will strengthen our capabilities in wearable sensors and artificial intelligence data analysis to apply them to the overall monitoring of chronic and metabolic diseases. Based on this foundation, we aim to grow into an integrated healthcare company that provides personalized health management services. We will create a medical environment where people prevent diseases rather than react to them, in their daily lives rather than at medical institutions, leading the way for everyone around the world to easily manage and protect their health.”

IT Donga Reporter Cha Ju-kyung
(racingcar@itdonga.com)

2026.04.01.
https://it.donga.com/108649/

World OKTA 'AI Startup Competition' Winner Goes Global

2026-04-06T09:57:23+09:00

World OKTA to hold event at COEX Magok on the 31st... 24 out of 114 companies advance to finals for competition
'Mion Forest' and 'Wis Medical' win... "A stepping stone for a leap toward the global market"
Global venture capital (VC) firms participate... Investment amounts to be announced at the closing ceremony of the World Representatives Conference

Kim Sang-hyun, CEO of MiOn Forest, who won as an OKTA member company

Lee Sung Hoon, CEO of Wis Medical, a general startup award winner.

Canadian climate tech company MiOn Forest and sleep monitoring startup Wis Medical won the '2026 Global AI Startup Competition' held at COEX Magok on the 31st.

This event was held as a side event of the '27th World Representatives Conference and Export Consultation Meeting' hosted by the World Federation of Korean Economic and Trade Associations (World OKTA, President Park Jong-beom).

Kim Sang-hyun, CEO of Mion Forest, who won as a World OKTA member company, explained, “We are developing a solution to restore devastated areas such as wildfire-damaged sites or abandoned mines by combining AI drones and microbiotechnology,” adding, “It is a technology that can save trees in any environment.”

He stated, "This competition was a meaningful opportunity to directly interact with Silicon Valley investors and concretize the company's direction," adding that it "served as a stepping stone for a leap toward the global market."

Lee Sung Hoon, CEO of Wis Medical, a general startup award winner, stated, “As a startup spun off from Georgia Institute of Technology, we developed ‘Tedream,’ a patch-type sleep monitoring device based on softwareable technology that adheres closely to the skin.” He added, “Its key features include enabling hospital-centered polysomnography at home and supporting remote diagnosis through AI analysis.”

He added, “We have been recognized not only for our technological prowess but also for our problem-solving skills and team capabilities, and we expect sales to pick up significantly starting next year,” stating that “this award has served as an important stepping stone for entering the global market.”

Participants of the 2026 OKTA Global AI Startup Competition are taking a group photo.

The event was held with the attendance of approximately 150 startup representatives and distinguished guests. Beginning with the opening declaration by Sun Park, Chairman of the Global Startup Committee, congratulatory remarks followed from Gangseo-gu Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon, Seoul Economic Promotion Agency CEO Kim Hyun-woo, and Gyeonggi Creative Economy Innovation Center Representative Kim Won-kyung. They encouraged the participating companies, stating that “this competition serves as a starting point for sending startups into the global market.”

According to the organizers, a total of 114 companies applied, and 24 out of the 65 companies that completed the preliminary entrepreneurship training held in February advanced to the finals. The finals consisted of 6 OKTA member companies participating in Group 1 and 18 general startups participating in Group 2.

In the finals, participating companies showcased business models incorporating AI technology across various fields, including healthcare AI, mobility and robotics, data and platforms, and bio and deep tech. Notably, venture capital (VC) firms from Silicon Valley and major U.S. regions, along with domestic investment experts, participated as judges, enhancing the potential for investment connections.

In the finals, a presentation session consisting of 5-minute presentations and Q&A was held, and the judges selected one winning team from Group 1 and one from Group 2. The winning teams were 'Mion Forest' and 'Wis Medical'.

A judging panel consisting of venture capital (VC) firms from major cities in the Americas, including Silicon Valley, and domestic investment experts.

The representative of Bridge AI Pty Ltd, participating in the competition, is giving a pitch.

All companies participating in the event will have one-on-one meetings with investors after the awards ceremony. Through this, the competition will achieve results as a "platform for practical investment connections beyond a simple contest."

According to officials, a substantial investment exceeding last year's scale is already under review, and the amount is scheduled to be disclosed at the closing ceremony of this World Representatives Conference.

Discussions on expanding the startup ecosystem also took place at the event.

First, in his keynote speech, Lee Geum-ryong, Chairman of the Challenge and Sharing Foundation, argued that Korea’s “future industrial competitiveness lies in startups.” He urged OKTA to take the lead in expanding the startup ecosystem globally through initiatives such as proposing the OKTA Fund, supporting the next generation, and developing startup platforms.

World OKTA Senior Vice President Cheon Ju-hwan, Future Growth Business Vice President Kim Ju-yeon, World OKTA Global Marketer Committee Chairperson Choi Won-jun participated as discussion panelists to share real-world examples and challenges regarding the application of AI in business.

Success stories were also shared. Kim Seong-taek, CEO of MD Stage Co., Ltd., which received 2 billion won in investment at last year's startup competition, presented a case of developing a device to treat snoring and sleep apnea and continuing to receive investment and expand its business to this day. He highly praised OKTA's support for startups, stating, "Our growth began with the success of OKTA's investment."

This event confirmed World OKTA's significance as a platform that simultaneously supports the global expansion and investment linkages of startups based on the Korean economic network, demonstrating that it is establishing itself as a major initiative of OKTA.

Posted 2026.03.31 18:22
Updated 2026.04.01 13:02

Reporter Kim Jong- heon

dongponews@hanmail.net

https://www.dongponews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=57102

K-Startups "Will Seize Opportunity to Break into Silicon Valley"

2026-04-06T09:29:43+09:00

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

"Let's break into Silicon Valley"… K-Startups Showcase New AI Technology

2026-04-06T09:20:30+09:00

2nd World-OKTA Global Startup Competition Held:
100 Korean Startups Compete;
Large Number of Companies Hoping to Enter the U.S. Participate,
“Securing Global Networks Through World-OKTA”

The 27th World OKTA Global AI Startup Competition is underway at COEX Magok in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, on the 31st. Reporter Choi Hyuk

“What differentiates you from your competitors?” (William Morgan, Investment Manager at Inmotion Ventures)

“We are building a mobility ecosystem by bringing together scattered vertical players, ranging from car purchasing to financing, insurance, repairs, and parts.” (Cho Jun-sang, Vice President of Chabot Mobility)

Tension filled the venue at 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. As soon as the three-minute presentations by the startups seeking investment concluded, questions poured in from global venture capital (VC) analysts from Silicon Valley, Texas, and other regions. Vice President Cho stated, "Although we have built 10 years of experience domestically, we are just taking our first steps in overseas business," adding, "We participated in the World OKTA competition to secure a network for entering the U.S. market."

Following the event held last October, 100 domestic and international startups submitted their applications for the second Global Startup Competition organized by World OKTA. World OKTA brought a total of 24 companies to the stage, including 6 overseas Korean startups selected through preliminary rounds and 18 domestic startups. Seven global VCs, including Inmotion Ventures, Plug and Play, and Probest Partners, participated in the judging process.

A large number of companies aiming to enter the global market based on their artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities participated in this competition. Twinny, a startup that developed autonomous robots used in logistics centers, announced plans to enter the U.S. market starting this year. Twinny CEO Cheon Hong-seok stated, “With robots that can be deployed without separate infrastructure, we can reduce work errors by 90% and shorten workers’ movement paths by 70%,” adding, “Based on the experience we have accumulated in Korea, we are preparing for a full-scale entry into the U.S. market this year.”

Participating companies presented various AI-powered solutions. Medical device startup Wis Medical introduced a sleep diagnostic patch that allows users to conveniently collect sleep data at home without visiting a hospital and analyze it using AI. The presentation by Cera, a startup developing an AI modular data center with enhanced energy efficiency using natural fiber composites backed by initial funding from NVIDIA, also caught the attention of VCs.

Ideas from overseas Korean startups also garnered interest. Representative examples include Oliz, which created an AI marketing tool that automatically generates promotional content based solely on accumulated information regarding user preferences or products without requiring separate command input, and Mion Forest, which developed a forest planting drone with improved accuracy powered by AI.

World OKTA will grant the two final winning companies the opportunity to conduct a Proof of Concept (POC) in Silicon Valley to demonstrate the feasibility of their products. World OKTA Chairman Park Jong-beom emphasized, "We plan to build a platform where not only VCs but also Korean entrepreneurs with financial resources and global networks can step forward as strategic investors (SIs), thereby paving the way for Korean youth and overseas Koreans to grow together."

Reporter Hwang Jung-hwan
jung@hankyung.com

Posted 2026.03.31 16:00
Updated 2026.03.31 16:03
https://www.hankyung.com/article/202603318774i

Yongin City Operates 'CES 2026' Yongin City Pavilion... Yongin SMEs Achieve Record Export Consultation Results of $102.94 Million

2026-01-14T17:28:50+09:00

| Five local SMEs participated, resulting in 122 consultations—the highest number of participants to date.

Small and medium-sized enterprises in the Yongin area that participated in the Yongin City Pavilion at CES 2026 achieved export consultation results worth a total of $102.94 million (Photo = Yongin City)

(Yongin = International News) Reporter Kang Jeong-hun = Small and medium-sized enterprises in the Yongin region that participated in the Yongin City Pavilion at the 'Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026' achieved export consultation results worth a total of 102.94 million dollars.

Yongin Special City (Mayor Lee Sang-il) announced on the 13th that it achieved these results by operating the Yongin City Pavilion at 'CES 2026' held at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, USA.

CES is the world's largest information and communications technology (ICT) and electronics technology exhibition hosted by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).

Five local small and medium-sized companies participated in the Yongin City Pavilion, showcasing their excellent technologies: ▲Analog Plus (smart helmet with integrated Bluetooth design and noise reduction function), ▲AJ2 (AI iris recognition technology), ▲Wis Medical (multiple bio-signals and AI-based sleep diagnosis patch), ▲AMSG (superconducting quantum sensor-based magnetocardiogram measurement technology), and ▲Xist (camera-based non-contact bio-emotion analysis technology).

During CES 2026, held from January 6th to 9th (local time), the five companies achieved export consultation results worth $102.94 million through 122 consultations. This marks the largest export consultation result since the city began participating for seven consecutive years.

Since 2020, the city has consistently established a group pavilion at CES every year, and has supported exhibition operations, including exhibition booths, transportation costs, and interpretation fees, for local small and medium-sized enterprises participating in the group pavilion.

In addition ot CES, the city operates 'city group pavilions' at international exhibitions in various fields, supporting local companies in developing overseas markets.

Mayor Lee Sang-il said, "The results of the export consultation demonstrate that our companies have sufficient technological competitiveness in the global market," and added, "We will continue to provide city-level support so that excellent local small and medium-sized enterprises can further expand their overseas sales channels and leap into the global market."

Meanwhile, on the 7th (local time), Victor Hoskins, the economic development director of Fairfax County, Virginia, which has a friendly relationship with the city, visited the Yongin City Pavilion and looked around the exhibits. Director Hoskins said, "Each company in Yongin City possesses excellent technologies that are sufficiently successful in the U.S. market," and "The process of meeting the companies in person, discussing the technologies, and explaining how to enter the U.S. market will bring about great results for both Yongin City and Fairfax County."

Private news agency International News/kang690666@naver.com

Reporter Kang Jeong-hoon

Posted 2026.01.13 09:10

https://www.gukjenews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=3479218

[CES 2026] Wis Medical Wins Innovation Award for Wearable Sleep Monitoring Technology

2026-01-14T09:28:30+09:00

Wis Medical (CEO Sung Hoon Lee), an AI-based wearable medical device development company, received the Innovation Award in the Accessibility & Longevity category at CES 2026, the world's largest IT and electronics exhibition.

At CES 2026, Wis Medical unveiled 'Tedream™', a wireless wearable sleep monitoring patch based on soft electronics that attaches to the skin.

Image provided by Wis Medical

This product measures various bioelectrical signals, including electroencephalograms (EEG), electrocardiograms (ECG), electromyograms (EMG), and respiratory signals, using a small device and then analyzes sleep-related signals using AI. Designed for comfort, it allows for long-term, repeated measurements in everyday life, not just in hospital settings.

Conventional polysomnography (PSG) has been criticized for its limited accessibility due to the in-hospital testing environment, cost burden, and difficulty in repeating measurements. Wis Medical's wearable technology was introduced as an approach to observing and analyzing sleep-related biosignals to address these limitations.

The company explained that during the exhibition period, discussions were held with overseas medical device companies and hospital officials regarding technological cooperation and potential future applications.

Wis Medical, founded based on core technology from the Georgia Institute of Technology, is developing wearable hardware design and AI bioelectrical signal analysis technology. Its unique ability to integrate the entire development process, from sensor design to signal collection and AI-based analysis, is a key feature.

Currently, Wis Medical is conducting a national R&D project to advance a general-purpose bioelectrical signal AI model. Based on data accumulated through wearable devices, the company is gradually expanding the scope of its technology application. Furthermore, as a Seoul Bio Hub resident company, the company is strengthening its R&D and commercialization foundation and exploring market entry through participation in global exhibitions and overseas collaborations.

Sung Hoon Lee, CEO of Wis Medical, said, “This year’s CES 2026 Innovation Award is a result of the attention our wearable technology and AI-based biosignal analysis approach received at the exhibition,” and added, “We will continue to improve the perfection of our technology by gradually reviewing clinical verification and regulatory procedures.”

Reporter Kim Jung Ah jungya@chosun.com
Article published on January 9, 2026, at 10:26 AM

https://digitalchosun.dizzo.com/site/data/html_dir/2026/01/09/2026010980039.html

Korean local governments showcase AI innovations at CES 2026

2026-01-14T09:21:47+09:00

Visitors at the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the main venue of the world's largest IT and consumer electronics show CES 2026, shout a "10-second countdown" together at 10 a.m. on the 6th local time and enter. /Las Vegas=Reporter Jeong Doo-yong

Starting on the 6th (local time), local governments in Korea flocked to CES 2026, the world's largest information technology and home appliance trade show in Las Vegas, to push regional artificial intelligence (AI) transitions and promote local corporations. More than 10 local governments, including Busan, Incheon, Ulsan, Daejeon, Yongin in Gyeonggi Province, and Gwangmyeong, set up pavilions at this year's CES.

The biggest theme at this year's CES is AI. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), which organizes the event, also selected AI as the most noteworthy technology this year. In particular, it is "physical AI," emphasized by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Physical AI refers to AI that goes beyond software-level intelligence to directly perceive, judge, and control real-world hardware such as robots, machines, and sensors.

The Integrated Busan Pavilion set up at CES 2026, the world's largest consumer electronics and information technology show in Las Vegas. /Courtesy of Busan Metropolitan City

Korea's leading maritime cities put forward AI technologies usable in aquatic environments. Dataflare, which joined the Busan integrated pavilion, unveiled technology that measures ships' real-time carbon emissions using AI. By combining AI-based video analysis with AIS (Automatic Identification System) data, it can estimate and calculate pollutant emissions by vessel without installing separate sensors.

Ulsan City, together with the Korea International Trade Association Ulsan office, is supporting the AI surface-drone corporation Seho Marine Solutions. The company has developed technology that enables AI-based surface drones to carry out a variety of missions, including collecting marine trash, removing seaweed, monitoring water quality, detecting radiation, and rescuing people.

DataFlare Monitoring System. /DataFlare Homepage

Digital health also drew attention. At this year's CES, digital health received the second-most innovation awards after AI. A host of products that can help cut medical expense and address aging through AI-integrated technologies were showcased.

Gwangmyeong in Gyeonggi Province unveiled GP, AI and big data analysis software that supports growth and disease prediction. GP provides personalized health information using AI and big data and helps manage health through continuous monitoring. Yongin in Gyeonggi Province exhibited an AI-based system that enables at-home polysomnography, which previously was only possible in hospitals. WisMedical's Tedream measures brain waves, ECG, and oxygen saturation during sleep via an adhesive skin patch.

Incheon Metropolitan City's CES 2026 promotional video. /Courtesy of Incheon Metropolitan City

Incheon released a "city vision video" on the CES show floor. The video presents Incheon's development direction and a message to future generations, and Incheon is the first Korean local government to unveil a city promotional video at CES.

Exterior wall-cleaning drone. /Courtesy of DRT

Additionally, Hwaseong in Gyeonggi Province showcased a drone for cleaning exterior walls. It improves safety and work speed over traditional methods that use gondolas or ropes. Precision sensors and cameras analyze exterior wall contamination in real time and automatically calculate the optimal work route.

Daejeon put forward the "digitalization of smell." The device uses AI trained on more than 100,000 scent data points to generate a customized scent for the user within three seconds. Developed by DeepScent, the product links with smart lighting, audio, and more to offer a new smart home experience.

By Kim Yang-hyeok
Published 2026.01.07. 17:02

https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-society/2026/01/07/EKFINHY33ZHKJKZGXUNTW5KG6U/

WisMedical Wins Innovation Award for its Sleep Monitoring Platform, Tedream, at CES 2026... "Preparing for Global Commercialization, including in North America"

2025-12-29T16:53:33+09:00

Provided by - WisMedical

Health tech startup WisMedical (CEOs Sung Hoon Lee and Woon-Hong Yeo) announced that it has been selected for the Innovation Award at the world's largest IT and tech expo to be held in Las Vegas, USA in January 2026.

WisMedical is a startup founded in 2022 in Atlanta, USA, as a spin-off from the Georgia Institute of Technology (hereinafter referred to as Georgia Tech). It is accumulating expertise in the field of sleep tech, which diagnoses sleep quality and sleep disorders by analyzing biosignals captured during sleep in real time.

In particular, the company explains that by developing a patch-type product that integrates and measures major bio-signals such as brain waves to resolve the complexity of equipment and sensors required for the existing polysomnography (PSG) method and building a sleep diagnosis platform that utilizes this, it will enable professional sleep monitoring even at home.

WisMedical's sleep monitoring platform, dubbed 'Tedream', is being evaluated for its excellent commercialization potential and market potential based on its simple hardware configuration, and has proven its global competitiveness by being selected for the Innovation Award in the Accessibility & Longevity category at the upcoming CES 2026.

WisMedical's Tedream is a platform that quantitatively measures various bio-signals such as ▲electroencephalogram (EEG) ▲eye movement (EOG) ▲oxygen saturation (SpO2) ▲electromyogram (EMG) ▲electrocardiogram (ECG) and snoring sounds with a single, ultra-light patch that is attached to the user's forehead, and analyzes the collected data with an AI (artificial intelligence) engine.

Analysis results include indicators such as sleep stages and sleep apnea index (AHI), and the breadth of data available significantly enhances analysis quality and reliability. Furthermore, it provides users with comprehensive insights to improve sleep quality, supporting proactive sleep habit and environment management. It also boasts high utility as data for accurate diagnosis by medical professionals.

In particular, the various devices such as multiple electrodes, cables, and analysis equipment used in the PSG method in hospitals and clinics can be replaced with a compact wireless patch and mobile app, making it easy to use at home. It also provides the effect of enabling more effective testing by reducing the user's stress due to measurement.

WisMedical aims to introduce the sleep monitoring platform selected for the Innovation Award as a next-generation healthcare-sleep tech solution, thereby further expanding its current collaboration with domestic and international hospitals and sleep health centers.

A company official said, “We are currently pursuing clinical validation of Tedream with major hospitals in the U.S. and the application of insurance coverage based on CPT codes, and we are expanding local partnerships in Japan and Europe to obtain medical device (PMDA·CE) approvals.” He added, “We also plan to commercialize Tedream as a home sleep diagnosis solution and long-term healthcare solution by exploring collaborations with global distributors and remote medical treatment platforms.”

He added, “In line with these goals, at CES 2026, we will actively communicate with medical device distributors, hospital networks, and digital healthcare investors in the U.S. and the European Union (EU) to identify new business opportunities.”

Reporter Nam Seung-hyun
cxsh@aving.net

Published 2025.12.03

https://kr.aving.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=1806758

Yongin City-supported WisMedical Wins CES 2026 Innovation Award

2025-12-29T16:47:07+09:00

| AI-based sleep diagnostic device receives awards in accessibility and senior-friendliness categories

Representatives from Yongin City and local businesses pose for a commemorative photo at CES 2025, held in January of this year. (Photo provided by Yongin City)

(Yongin = News 1) Reporter Kim Pyeong-seok = Yongin City, Gyeonggi Province, announced on the 19th that 'WisMedical Co., Ltd.' will receive the Innovation Awards at 'CES 2026', the world's largest IT and technology exhibition.

'WisMedical Co., Ltd.' is a company that supports Yongin City's participation in 'CES 2026', which will be held at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, USA from January 6 to 9 next year.

The CES Innovation Awards are presented annually by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the organizer and operator of CES, to select and honor innovative technologies and products.

WisMedical, a digital healthcare company, won a CES Innovation Award in the Accessibility & Longevity category for its sleep diagnostic device, Tedream™.

Tedream was developed based on artificial intelligence (AI)-based sleep biosignal analysis technology. It received high praise for its design, which allows users to perform polysomnography (PSG) tests, previously only available in hospitals, such as electroencephalograms (EEGs), and oxygen saturation measurements, at home using a tiny patch attached to the forehead, chest, or legs.

Sung Hoon Lee, CEO of WisMedical, said, "We will further develop our AI-based precision diagnostic technology and expand beyond Korea into global markets, including the US and Europe. We will strive to become a global health tech company that has grown in Yongin."

Since 2020, Yongin City has operated a city pavilion at CES every year, supporting companies' expansion into overseas markets. At CES 2025, held earlier this year, Yongin-area companies recorded a total of $3.9 million in consultations.

The city will also operate a group pavilion at CES 2026, providing support for booth fees, transportation, and interpretation services to participating companies. Six companies, including WisMedical, Analog Plus Co., Ltd., AJ2 Co., Ltd., Exist Co., Ltd., AMCG Co., Ltd., and UWicom Co., Ltd., will participate in the group pavilion and showcase their key products.

Mayor Sang-il Lee said, “We will expand support for local companies to develop new markets, including participation in overseas exhibitions, to enhance their international competitiveness.”

November 19, 2025, 9:42 AM

Reporter Kim Pyeong-seokk

ad2000s@news1.kr
https://www.news1.kr/local/gyeonggi/5980855

[Resident Company Promotion] WisMedical's "Tedream": Precision Sleep Diagnosis at Home with Three Wireless Sensors

2025-09-24T00:20:12+09:00

| Hospital-quality sleep studies at home: WisMedical's "Tedream"

Healthcare startup Wismedical is making it possible to easily diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea at home.

We have developed a wireless sensor-based sleep diagnostic device called ‘Tedream’ .

The number of people suffering from sleep problems such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and snoring is steadily increasing.

For a precise diagnosis, hospitals perform polysomnography (PSG).

Patients are forced to sleep in an unfamiliar environment with more than 20 wired sensors attached to their entire body.

This often results in measuring unusual sleep patterns or making accurate diagnosis difficult.

To overcome these limitations, WisMedical designed Tedream.

| Precision diagnosis completed with three wireless sensors

Tedream works by attaching three wireless sensors, as thin as stickers, to your forehead, chest, and arms.

Sensors measure key biosignals such as brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and movement, providing hospital-level, accurate data at home.

It is a convergence of core technologies such as ultra-small sensors, flexible materials, and high-precision signal processing algorithms.

Patients can obtain reliable results in a comfortable environment.

| How is it different from existing wearables?

Smartwatches and bands also have sleep tracking features, but they mostly only analyze heart rate and movement.

On the other hand , Tedream provides comprehensive medical-level precision data required by hospitals.

It can even diagnose specialized diseases such as sleep apnea.

In other words, Tedream is differentiated from existing wearables in that it is a device that provides both convenience and accuracy.

| Future plans

Tedream is currently being supplied as a research device to hospitals and research institutes at home and abroad.

We plan to receive medical device approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety within this year.

Starting next year, it is planned to be used as an actual medical device in hospital settings.

As a company located in Seoul Bio Hub, WisMedical utilizes various resources and networks.

We are accelerating technology development and product commercialization.

Additionally, we are actively expanding into overseas markets through collaborations with Georgia Tech and Atlanta hospitals.

Being selected as a digital healthcare open innovation company has clearly demonstrated its growth potential in the global market.

So that more people can enjoy comfortable sleep and a healthy life in the future,

WisMedical will continue to strive to develop innovative technologies.

- Hong Yeo, Co-Founder of Wis Medical -

⬇️ Watch the video ⬇️

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4PuTqg4cMM

Seoul Bio Hub

2025. 9. 22. 13:00

https://m.blog.naver.com/seoulbiohub/224009840079

Why AI Is Revolutionizing The Healthcare Industry From The Ground Up

2025-09-24T00:09:21+09:00

[Contribution] Yeo Woon-Hong, Co-Founder and CTO of Wis Medical, and G.P. "Bud" Peterson and Valerie H. Peterson Endowed Professor at Georgia Tech:

AI Healthcare Market to Grow 40% Annually... Structural Growth, Not 'Exaggeration'

AI Transforming the Medical Field... "Expanding the Areas of Clinical Automation, Precision Medicine, and Active Monitoring"

Four Key Trends in AI Healthcare Innovation: Patients, Clinicians, Industry, Systems and Supply Chain

Read the rest of the article at: https://www.themiilk.com/articles/ae665c43f?u=f42b7851&t=a0426477b&from=

[Interview] WisMedical: Revolutionizing Polysomnography with Ultra-Thin, Lightweight Wearable Sleep Diagnostic Patch

2025-08-28T12:07:04+09:00

| Simultaneous measurement of more than six biosignals, including ECG, EEG, EMG, and oxygen saturation
| Built-in AI-based automatic sleep stage analysis and sleep apnea diagnostic algorithm
| “Resolving medical blind spots through patient- and user-centered innovation”

WisMedical CEO Sung Hoon Lee (Photo=WisMedical)

[BioTimes] Polysomnography (PSG) is a test conducted to diagnose and set treatment directions for various sleep disorders such as snoring, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy. While the procedure itself is non-invasive and safe, in reality, it comes with several limitations.

First, because multiple biosignals must be measured simultaneously, the process is complex and requires patients to visit specialized facilities. To accurately interpret information such as brainwaves, muscle movement, and breathing, trained professionals are also necessary. In addition, because the test is performed in an unfamiliar lab environment, patients often exhibit sleep patterns that differ from their normal state. Cost can also be a significant burden.

WisMedical is a company that develops flexible, advanced wearable biosensors and digital healthcare solutions. At present, it offers Tedream, a wireless wearable medical device for home-based sleep diagnostics, designed to replace complex polysomnography. The company name is short for Wearable Integrated Systems, embodying the mission “to create innovative medical devices that allow anyone to manage their health easily and conveniently through smart wearable devices.”

CEO Sung Hoon Lee explained, “The digital healthcare market is growing rapidly. As the era of using data not only in hospitals but also in homes and daily life is opening, demand for wearable devices and AI-based diagnostic and preventive solutions will continue to increase.”

We spoke with CEO Lee for more details.

WisMedical members (Photo=WisMedical)

◇ Replacing Polysomnography with Home-Based Wearable Sleep Diagnostics

CEO Lee earned his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech and built extensive experience developing biosensors and healthcare systems. In clinical practice, he personally witnessed the inconvenience, cost burden, and accessibility issues of polysomnography experienced by both patients and medical staff. With the goal of changing the paradigm of sleep health, he founded WisMedical in 2022.

Currently, WisMedical’s key members include Co-CEO and CTO Professor Woon-Hong Yeo of Georgia Tech, CSO Dr. Seong Eun Kim, an expert in chemical and biomolecular engineering, CFO Yong-Seok Kwon, as well as specialists in medical device R&D, regulatory approval, clinical trials, and software development, both domestically and abroad.

The company’s flagship product, Tedream, is the world’s first ultra-thin, lightweight wearable sleep diagnostic patch. By attaching Tedream to the forehead, chest, and arm, users can easily and accurately conduct at home what was once only possible in hospitals. It simultaneously measures more than six biosignals—electrocardiogram (ECG), electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyogram (EMG), oxygen saturation (SpO₂), sleep posture, and respiratory sounds. It also comes with a built-in AI algorithm for automatic sleep stage analysis and sleep apnea diagnosis.

CEO Lee explained, “Tedream’s ultra-thin design and wireless communication technology reduce user discomfort while enabling accurate data collection. It controls motion artifacts and achieves accuracy comparable to polysomnography performed in hospitals.”

He continued, “Based on deep learning and machine learning, it provides accurate and automated sleep scoring and sleep disorder diagnosis. Sleep data are encrypted, securely uploaded, and stored in the cloud, while accessible medical services are being provided.”

Tedream (Photo=WisMedical)

◇ “Aiming to Be No.1 Global Sleep and Health Monitoring Solution”

WisMedical currently holds eight domestic and international patents and is preparing for GMP certification and medical device regulatory approval. It is collaborating with institutions such as Georgia Tech, Chungnam National University Hospital, and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital to develop innovative technologies in sleep, cardiovascular, and neurological health management. At present, pilot tests are underway at major hospitals, sleep clinics, insurance companies, and telemedicine providers both in Korea and abroad, and the company has accumulated data from hundreds of participants in collaboration with partners in the U.S., Korea, and Europe.

CEO Lee shared, “Thanks to support from various government programs, we have made progress in clinical trials, technology development, overseas expansion, network building, and early prototype development. Although we experienced trial and error in meeting medical device regulations, certification standards, and clinical protocol optimization in different countries, we quickly supplemented these issues by bringing in experts, consulting domestically and internationally, and repeating on-site testing.”

He emphasized, “Tedream possesses strengths such as its ultralight and ultrathin wearable patch form factor, multi-biosensor integration comparable to hospital-grade polysomnography, AI-based automatic diagnostic software, user-centered UX design, extensive global networks, clinical data, and intellectual property portfolio.”

With this technological edge, WisMedical has achieved strong results in several government programs and global startup competitions. Recently, it was named one of Fortune Korea’s Top 40 Innovative Companies. It was also selected for the 2024 Seoul Bio Hub–Draper Digital Healthcare Innovation Challenge, won the grand prize at the DMC Startup Competition, was chosen for Daewoong Pharmaceutical’s InnoBear program, and successfully exhibited at CES 2025.

(Photo=WisMedical home page capture)

WisMedical plans to raise a Pre-Series A investment round in the second half of this year, focusing on clinical trials and global medical device regulatory approvals. Next year, it aims to enter the U.S. and European markets in earnest, expand into new pipelines such as elderly care, pediatrics, and respiratory diseases, recruit talent, and broaden domestic and global strategic partnerships.

Ultimately, its goal is to become the world’s No.1 provider of sleep and health monitoring solutions.

CEO Lee stated, “Our role model is Medtronic, which has long maintained a pioneering position in the global medical device market. Medtronic never stops making strategic investments aligned with market trends—not only in future-oriented areas such as robotic surgery, AI, and personalized medicine, but also in achieving innovation in diabetes care and solid growth in the cardiovascular field.”

He concluded, “WisMedical’s mission is ‘Easy and accurate health diagnostics for all, for a better life.’ Through patient- and user-centered innovation, we aim to resolve medical blind spots and create a future where everyone can manage their health in daily life.”

[BioTimes=Reporter SeoKyung Shin] ssk@biotimes.co.kr

Seokyung Shin Reporter

Accepted 2025.08.26 17:25

https://www.biotimes.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=23604