Startup Survival and Growth Strategies for the AI Transformation Era

As part of the Global Convergence Startup Festival GSAT2025, co-hosted by the Gyeongnam Branch of the Korea Venture Business Association and Gyeongsangnam-do Province at Changwon Convention Center (CECO) on the 28th, the ‘Talk Show – Startup Hwayangyeonhwa’ was successfully held. In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is reshaping industries across the board, it was a significant occasion where senior and junior entrepreneurs from the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam regions gathered to share the challenges and opportunities of AI transformation (AX) through the vivid experiences of practitioners. The event featured three representatives as speakers, each successfully applying AI technology in different fields. Lee Gi-wook, CEO of Hurotics, showcased the innovation of mechanical engineering and AI convergence through his ‘AI-based wearable robot suit for rehabilitation and sports,’ presenting a paradigm shift in the medical and sports sectors. Next, Joo Myung-gyu, CEO of Sevenmeercat, captivated the audience with an engaging topic, ‘AI: Changing Spaces and Making Money – AX Transformation Started in a Parking Lot,’ introducing a case study of AI platform development for smart city implementation and its revenue model. Jo Jae-yu, CEO of Blings, garnered significant acclaim by providing practical know-how and guidance on applying AI technology to internal company data from a non-developer’s perspective through ‘AX Key Questions – Core Questions to Ask Before Starting.’ During the subsequent panel talk, ‘Startup Hwayangyeonhwa,’ moderated by Park Jin-woo, CEO of Dadaix, candid stories of failures experienced during the startup process and moments of strategic decision-making were shared. Attendees expressed high satisfaction, stating, "It was beneficial to learn about real-world problem-solving methods and the entrepreneurial mindset." Concluding the event, the speakers shared their reflections and aspirations. CEO Lee Gi-wook expressed confidence that AI would transform the robotics industry ecosystem and demonstrated his commitment to planning AI-integrated businesses closer to real life. CEO Joo Myung-gyu impressively evaluated the new insights and innovative energy gained from interactions with experts in the Gyeongnam region. CEO Jo Jae-yu reaffirmed that the essence of AI ultimately lies in high-quality data and data engineering, emphasizing his conviction in the future value of original data-driven chatbots. Kim Dae-kwon, Head of the Gyeongnam Branch of the Korea Venture Business Association, stated, "The accumulated experiences of local startups become national competitiveness," and evaluated the talk show as a successful event that demonstrated hope for the co-growth of the startup ecosystem. This ‘Talk Show – Startup Hwayangyeonhwa’ served as a meaningful platform, offering profound inspiration and practical direction to local entrepreneurs who will collectively shape the future of the AI era.