KDB NextOne Hosts Startup Roadshow in Japan

KDB NextOne, Lays Groundwork for K-Startup Global Leap in Japan! Innovating Technologies Ignited the Local Market KDB NextOne, the Korea Development Bank's flagship acceleration program leading the global expansion of Korean startups, successfully held the 'KDB NextOne Japan Roadshow' in Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture, Japan, for five days from October 20 to 24, establishing a strong bridgehead for K-startups' overseas expansion. This event, co-operated by CNTTech, saw 10 promising companies with outstanding technological competitiveness participate, vigorously knocking on the door of the Japanese market. The roadshow kicked off with intensive 1-on-1 business meetings with local partners including major Japanese buyers, CVCs (Corporate Venture Capital), and VCs (Venture Capital). Participating companies, based on their in-depth understanding of the Japanese market, sought opportunities for investment attraction and business collaboration, expanding their local networks. Following this, Attorney Lee Jun-hee of TMI Associates and CEO Hwang Tae-sung of Starsia delivered a 'Special Lecture on Legal and Financial Accounting for Startups Entering Japan,' providing practical guidelines and paving the way for companies' successful entry into the Japanese market. Participating companies visited CIC Tokyo, located in Toranomon, Tokyo, to directly explore the dynamic local startup ecosystem and had valuable time discussing in-depth key considerations and success strategies that may arise when entering the Japanese market. The highlight of this roadshow was the '2025 Autumn Japan IT Week,' held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture. At individual booths set up within the KDB NextOne exhibition hall, each company showcased innovative technologies and products across various fields, including micro-sensors, AI-based digital therapeutics, XR technology, global logistics solutions, AI security, energy optimization, highly toxic wastewater treatment, multilingual AI avatars, and intelligent CCTV. They actively engaged with numerous Japanese corporate officials and visitors, widely promoting the excellence of K-tech and achieving success in discovering potential partnership opportunities. An official from the Korea Development Bank expressed commitment, stating, "Building upon the achievements of this roadshow, KDB NextOne will play an even stronger role as a bridgehead for Korean startups' global expansion," and pledged the program's continuous development. Having nurtured a total of 165 startups since its first cohort in 2020, KDB NextOne once again demonstrated its strength through this roadshow. Starting in the second half of this year, the program will also expand its operations to the Busan region, solidifying a nationwide startup nurturing system. This Japan roadshow provided practical support and extensive opportunities necessary for Korean startups to leap onto the global stage, significantly contributing to the globalization of K-innovative technology.