NextRise 2025 Kicks Off, Global Startups Converge

## The Wave of AI Innovation Sweeps NextRise 2025 Seoul! The heart of the AI revolution has begun to beat passionately at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul. NextRise 2025, Seoul, the largest startup expo in Korea, has opened its 7th edition, drawing the attention of innovators worldwide. Under the theme of 'Accelerating AI-centric Innovation,' over 1,100 startups from 28 countries and more than 250 large and medium-sized enterprises are participating, boasting an unprecedented scale with over 3,600 business consultations anticipated. This event is jointly hosted by the Korea Development Bank and the Korea International Trade Association, with the National Research Council of Science & Technology, Korea Venture Business Association, and Korea Venture Capital Association, under the slogan "Accelerate Innovation with AI," running for two days from the 26th. Kim Bok-kyu, Senior Executive Vice President of Korea Development Bank, expressed his expectation that "NextRise will contribute to the spread of more success stories." **AI Startups Lead the Future** This year, the remarkable progress of AI technology startups is particularly prominent. Real-time translation and interpretation company XL8 is providing interpreted subtitles for all conference sessions with 'EventCAT,' while generative AI leader 42Maru confirmed strong interest from companies in AX transformation with 'LLM42.' Kim Dong-hwan, CEO of 42Maru, emphasized, "We will promote the utility of reliable generative AI technology and lay the groundwork for global collaboration." In addition, innovative AI solutions from companies such as Featuring, Dalpa, Colosseum, and Deep Insight are presenting blueprints for future industries, extending beyond logistics and manufacturing. **A Hub for Corporate and Global Collaboration** Win-win cooperation between large corporations and startups also shines. LG's open innovation platform 'SuperStart' is operating an exclusive booth with 8 nurtured startups, seeking collaboration synergies. The Korea Creative Content Agency is also operating the 'Korea Content Pavilion,' supporting 10 technology-convergence content startups in areas like AI, VR, and CG. This year's event, with Germany as the guest country of honor, has firmly established itself as a venue for global cooperation. The German government delegation, along with Mercedes-Benz and BMW, are discussing cooperation strategies with domestic companies, seeking future partnerships. Representatives from global venture platforms such as France's Vivatech, Germany's IFA, and Spain's MWC are also attending, strengthening international solidarity within the startup ecosystem. **Diverse Programs for Tangible Results** On three conference stages within the exhibition hall, domestic and international experts such as Yoon Seok-jun, Managing Director of POSCO DX; Noh Kyu-seung, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor Company; Jayotika Mohan, Director at Google Cloud; and Dylan Jones, Senior Vice President at Boeing, are sharing the latest trends in fields like AI, mobility, and aerospace. On three pitching stages, IR pitching by over 130 startups is taking place alongside reverse pitching where large and medium-sized enterprises propose business collaborations, offering tangible investment and cooperation opportunities. In the 'NextRise Awards,' selected from 702 companies with a competition ratio of 23:1, Mediwhale and Unmanned Exploration Research Institute won the top innovation awards, showcasing the pinnacle of innovation. Yoon Jin-sik, Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association, stated that "NextRise will serve as a bridge connecting technology and industry amidst AI, deep tech, and green transition," suggesting it will be an important milestone in providing a blueprint for future industries led by AI and deep tech, by creating a venue where innovative ideas are commercialized and success stories spread.