[Monthly TIPS] Monthly Companies: CountdownAI, Elexlab, etc.

Promising startups with innovative technological capabilities have been successively selected for TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startup), a private investment-led tech startup support program by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), having their potential recognized. This program, jointly discovered by the government and private investors, supports the technological verification and growth of the selected companies. Generative AI 'Countdown AI' has secured 1.3 million global users with its AI photo and video generation app 'Mew'. Through its TIPS selection, it will receive up to 700 million KRW in support, and will embark on developing its proprietary all-in-one AI generator model encompassing text, image, and video. It plans to evolve into a practical AI tool, including collaborations with K-entertainment. Bio Startup 'ElexLab' was selected for TIPS for its AI drug discovery platform based on C. elegans (roundworm), recognized for its potential in discovering Parkinson's disease treatments and shortening drug development periods and costs. Secondary Battery Material Specialist 'HEMC' knocked on TIPS' door by increasing energy density and charge/discharge efficiency with its silicon-graphene composite anode material technology utilizing waste carbon resources. It is rapidly growing, showcasing differentiated process technology in a market dominated by large corporations. AI-based Hospital Purchasing System 'Zeroder' provides a free platform to hospitals, simplifying complex insurance-listed prices and closing tasks through AI automation to enhance purchasing efficiency. With TIPS support (up to 700 million KRW), it aims to create a patient-centric purchasing ecosystem. Edutech Startup 'Korea Education Partners' was selected for Deep Tech TIPS to develop an education-specialized multimodal LLM. Through accuracy and personalization tailored to the domestic curriculum, it plans to provide affordable customized education to the underserved 95% of students. Deep Tech Startup 'Litiway' was recognized for its 'Energy-Elixir' solution that dramatically enhances cathode material performance with only a small amount of additives, and has entered the Deep Tech TIPS Fast Track. With its effects of increased battery life and capacity, and cost reduction, it is discussing collaborations with domestic and international large corporations. 'Hypernova', which operates the AI phone English service 'HeyRing', helps users practice practical English conversation through a conversational AI companion. Based on high user satisfaction and conversion rates to paid subscriptions, it was selected for TIPS, and is accelerating its AI technology advancement and global market expansion. Digital Healthcare 'Itpy' developed the AI-based musculoskeletal rehabilitation platform 'RingDoc' and the 3D measuring device 'RingDoc Motion', which have been adopted by over 20 major university hospitals nationwide. It was selected for TIPS by increasing patient satisfaction through exercise prescriptions based on accurate diagnoses, and is seeking to expand its domestic and international markets. Pet Tech Company 'CareSix' won two CES Innovation Awards for its pet (dog/cat) disease monitoring system 'Sense 1'. Leveraging its TIPS selection, it is developing the 'Sense 1 Home' home care product for general consumers, which uses biosignal analysis to alert pet owners early to abnormal signs in their pets. AI 3D Sensing Solution Specialist 'Deep Insight' will receive up to 2 billion KRW in government funding through Scale-up TIPS. It is developing 'high-performance in-cabin monitoring technology' that combines 3D ToF sensors with on-device AI, to build a next-generation smart mobility solution that integrally manages passenger safety and convenience within vehicles.