COMEUP, European Connection: New Horizons for Global Networking

Korea Startup Forum (KOSPO) successfully concluded its 'Business Trip in Vienna,' held from the 7th to the 16th in Vienna, Austria, establishing a bridgehead for entry into the European market. This trip was a strategic move following Shanghai, China, and Tokyo, Japan, aimed at promoting this year's COMEUP main event and building overseas networks. A key highlight was the participation of 'COMEUP Stars' alumni startups from last year as the South Korean delegation, who officially joined 'Go Austria Spring 2025' in collaboration with GIN (Global Incubator Network Austria), an Austrian startup support organization. 'Go Austria Spring 2025' is a customized incubation program for deep-tech startups from 7 countries, including Korea, and it maximized synergy by being linked with Austria's largest startup event, 'ViennaUp 2025'. Under the leadership of KOSPO Executive Director Choi Ji-young, six companies – Digital Log, BamieDu, Batterfly, IPinLabs, ZeticAI, and Qubic – participated, representing diverse fields such as AI, blockchain, electric vehicles, and edutech, to explore global market entry opportunities. The South Korean delegation traveled between cities like Vienna, Graz, and Linz, participating in key events such as local market entry workshops, 'ViennaUp 2025,' and the 'AC Styria Mobility Conference,' to deeply discuss strategies for penetrating the European market. They also met with relevant organizations such as the KOTRA Vienna Office and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber to share insights on the local ecosystem and technology trends, and explored avenues for Korea-Austria cooperation through networking with mentors. On the 'Connect Day' held on the 13th, business matching and pitching sessions between startups, investors, and corporations explored practical market entry possibilities. The final schedule extended exchanges through 'GIN&Friends' networking, bringing together GIN, global partner organizations, and local startup stakeholders. Throughout the 10-day journey, participating startups gained invaluable opportunities to deepen their understanding of the Austrian and wider European markets and significantly strengthen their global networks. This trip is considered a strategic success for its role in encouraging increased participation from overseas startups, raising the global profile of this year's COMEUP main event, and proactively securing the involvement of key European countries. KOSPO plans to continue its 'Business Trips' in major domestic and international hubs, following Shanghai, Tokyo, and Vienna, with Busan and Jeju later in the year, to support the global leap of Korean startups.