40 Global Innovation Companies in Jeju: K-Startup Grand Challenge Showcase

Jeju was abuzz with innovative energy. The '2025 K-Startup Grand Challenge Showcase,' a core program of 'Global Startup Day in Jeju' linked with the APEC SME Ministerial Meeting, heated up the Jeju International Convention Center for two days starting from the 3rd. Hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED), it became a dynamic arena for global startups from around the world aspiring to enter the Korean market. A total of over 70 teams participated, including 40 companies finally selected from 80 applicant companies, 5 inbound program companies from KISED, and 25 global investment firms, making the event a great success. The investment pitching session undoubtedly drew significant attention. Three companies — Vietnam's Veritas (eco-friendly pallets from agricultural waste), the U.S.'s Nio (content art-tech solutions), and Singapore's Groundup.AI (AI-based factory equipment anomaly detection) — presented future possibilities with their innovative business items. In particular, the experience sharing by the 2024 participating companies provided valuable insights to junior entrepreneurs. Singapore's Polymerize shared its success story in the Korean market with an AI chemistry and materials platform, Thailand's Tasted Better shared its know-how on settling into the health food market with low-glycemic flour, and France's KFTV received applause for sharing strategies utilizing the K-content craze with an AI Hallyu export platform. The exhibition hall was filled with the joy of experiencing innovative technologies firsthand. Products from four companies captivated visitors: Thailand's Tasted Better's low-glycemic index flour, France's Bee Balance's smart healthcare mat, Taiwan's Baion's AI food allergy sensor, and Spain's Digital Human's AI metahuman solution. Yu Jong-pil, President of KISED, expressed his aspiration, stating, "We hope that outstanding startups from around the world will connect with the Korean startup ecosystem and leap onto the international stage," and "We will make South Korea a global startup hub." During this event, detailed information on government policies and support systems for the domestic settlement and growth of overseas startups, such as the Global Startup Center and the Startup Korea Special Visa, was provided, drawing keen interest from participants. An 80-minute active networking session opened avenues for practical cooperation, firmly establishing Jeju as a hub for global startup innovation.