2025 Chung Ju-yung Startup Competition Demo Day Culminates in 4 Grand Prize Winners, Including Pulsead

Future innovators, armed with the "Frontier" spirit, gathered at COEX in Seoul on May 29th to showcase their visions. The 14th Chung Ju-yung Startup Competition Demo Day was a venue where 23 startups, having gone through a fierce six-month acceleration program, unveiled their journey of pioneering their own paths. Under the belief, as famously quoted by Hyundai Group founder Chung Ju-yung, that 'If there is no path, create one,' this competition focused on discovering and fostering innovative ideas that break down the boundaries of the existing startup ecosystem, including global expansion, climate crisis response, and diversity inclusion. Kim Byung-hoon, CEO of APR, emphasized that entrepreneurship is ultimately a journey of pioneering one's own course, and encouraged participants by highlighting that an unyielding will, continuous learning, and the good fortune of encountering benefactors are essential elements for success. In the pitching session, 23 teams across four tracks – Global Track (AI-based technology and global business models), Climate Tech Track (climate crisis response technology), Diversity Track (founders with immigrant backgrounds and foreign entrepreneurs), and Pre-startup Track (university students, graduate students) – took to the stage and underwent strict evaluation by nine venture capital experts. With a total prize fund of 370 million KRW awarded, the prestigious grand prizes went to: 'Pulse Ad' (CEO Yun Geo-seong) in the Global Track, 'HydroXpand' (CEO Hyun Jong-hyun) in the Climate Tech Track, 'Yeomyeong Street' (CEO Kim Yeo-myeong) in the Diversity Track, and 'Snapscale' (CEO Kim Sang-yoon) in the Pre-startup Track. Notably, Pulse Ad also received a special award from sponsor Amazon, doubling its joy. All participating teams were promised practical support, including the opportunity to move into short-term office space at MARU, an incubator operated by the Asan Nanum Foundation, investor recommendations, 1:1 mentoring, and corporate partnership benefits worth 1.4 billion KRW. Um Yoon-mi, Chairperson of the Asan Nanum Foundation, stated the foundation's firm commitment, saying, "We will continue to support young entrepreneurs in creating their own paths and exploring new possibilities on their pioneering journey of entrepreneurship." Since its inception in 2012, the Chung Ju-yung Startup Competition has nurtured unicorn companies such as Myrealtrip, Classum, and Doodlin, becoming a strong pillar of the Korean startup ecosystem, and will continue to be a steadfast companion for those who dare to challenge.