Connecting Innovators, the Engine of National Development

In an era where technological hegemony determines the fate of nations, innovation is no longer solely the responsibility of an individual or a single company. While startups that open new markets and restructure industries are at the core of national competitiveness, their leap forward is truly completed only through the organic connection of various stakeholders. Especially for ventures with high uncertainty and a long development cycle, like deep tech, an ecosystem supported by all elements such as capital, talent, experience, and networks is essential. Ultimately, the pace of innovation stems not from individual capabilities, but from the power of connection. Only when an environment is created where more innovators can meet, learn, and re-challenge can a nation truly embrace new growth opportunities. The growth of an entrepreneur is not achieved merely through technological prowess or business capabilities. It becomes possible when diverse support, including practical advice, extensive networks, and valuable experiences, is provided. The recent investment ecosystem, too, is expanding its role beyond simple financial support, recognizing the importance of such practical assistance and connections. Innovation is truly accelerated when various stakeholders move organically around the entrepreneur, and as an ecosystem structure that supports each other is established, challenges become more natural. A connected ecosystem is precisely the foundation of national competitiveness. In this context, the role of the global startup festival 'COMEUP' is extremely important. COMEUP, hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, successfully built a grand platform for connection last year, linking startups, investors, and global companies with participation from 45 countries. For countless entrepreneurs, COMEUP served as an opportunity for their first global pitching and a practical bridgehead to meet partners from various countries. The fact that connections difficult for a single company to achieve alone have become possible through a public platform clearly demonstrates that our ecosystem is advancing a step further. Entrepreneurs should seek opportunities rather than fear failure, and COMEUP is a powerful mechanism that transforms those opportunities into reality. Connection is an essential condition for making a leap forward. This year's COMEUP 2025 slogan, 'Recode the Future,' meaning 'Time to Rewrite the Future,' suggests that even the experience of failure can become a valuable asset for a new future. This year's COMEUP, where global AI innovation companies and domestic tech startups will gather, will inspire many innovators with new directions and courage. Technological competitiveness is not achieved simply through funding or systems. Only when more innovation occurs through connection and continuous challenge can an ecosystem achieve true growth. The challenge towards innovation truly blossoms when institutional foundations, systematic education, and rich experience are harmoniously put in place. As an environment that fosters opportunities for re-challenge and enhances practical capabilities is widely established, innovation will circulate more actively within the ecosystem. When diverse stakeholders share experiences and cooperate, the value of connection is maximized. In this time to rewrite the future, we hope you will personally experience its limitless possibilities at COMEUP this December.