The 6th edition of COMEUP 2024, a global startup festival organized by the Korea Startup Forum (Chairman Sangwoo Han), concluded successfully on December 12th at COEX in Seoul. Held over two days under the theme ‘Innovation Beyond Borders,’ the event attracted participation from startups, investors, global companies, aspiring entrepreneurs, and other ecosystem stakeholders from 45 countries worldwide.
This year’s COMEUP marked a milestone by hosting approximately 260 startups from across the globe, with more than half being international companies, demonstrating its growing influence as a global hub for innovation. The event’s diverse programs focused on key trends such as Deep Tech, Inbound, and Sustainable Innovation by Startup (SIS), aligning with the global startup ecosystem’s priorities.
Global Leaders and Insights Take Center Stage
The keynote speeches and conference sessions drew significant attention. On December 11th, Qamar Aftab, Investment Manager of Saudi Aramco CVC Wa’ed Ventures, and Park Sung-hyun, CEO of Rebellion, engaged in a thought-provoking conversation on ‘Innovation Beyond Borders.’ The following day, Kim Soo-jong, CEO of Innospace, captivated the audience with a presentation on the space age, emphasizing Korea’s rising influence in the global space tech sector.
The Future Talk conference series featured sessions tailored to critical global trends, including startup expansion strategies, overseas investment opportunities, and emerging deep tech innovations. Panels and presentations provided attendees with invaluable insights into the global startup landscape.
Expanded Global Participation
COMEUP 2024 saw increased participation from national pavilions representing the UAE, India, Japan, and Sweden. Notably, Alia Mazroui, UAE Minister of Economy and Entrepreneurship, highlighted pathways for startups to enter the UAE market. The ‘Global Community’ program hosted startups from 21 countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and South Africa, facilitating idea exchange and collaboration through pitching, exhibitions, and networking.
International organizations such as the International Trade Center (ITC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) also participated, underscoring COMEUP’s role as a truly global platform for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Open Innovation and Business Matching Achievements
A highlight of COMEUP 2024 was the ‘OI Ground’ Open Innovation Program, fostering collaboration between large corporations and startups. Prominent companies, including Microsoft, Nvidia, Siemens, L’Oréal Korea, Hyundai Motor Company Zero One, and CJ E&M, showcased successful partnerships and innovation strategies.
The Matchmaking Track, designed to connect startups with investors and business leaders, featured tailored sessions, including strategies for entering Silicon Valley led by ACVC Partners CEO Ho-chan Lee, and a startup ESG guide developed in collaboration with Korea Credit Bureau (KCB). The platform achieved an impressive 1,900 business matches, nearly doubling last year’s record.
Spotlight on Tech Innovation and Public IR Pitching
COMEUP 2024 delivered cutting-edge insights through its Tech Talk 15 track, where global tech leaders such as Seoul Robotics, Upstage, and Germany’s Variowell Development introduced breakthrough technologies. Deep tech advancements in fields such as AI semiconductors, generative AI, and autonomous driving captured the audience’s imagination.
The event’s Startup Valley public IR pitching showcased top emerging startups. Toonimotion, Posco, and Fortel My Health emerged as the winners, earning a coveted spot at Viva Technology 2025 in France. Other finalists, including Cubic, Jetic AI, and Tubelit Korea, demonstrated exceptional potential in fields like information security and on-device AI solutions.
Driving Sustainable Innovation and Global Inbound Opportunities
The theme of Sustainable Innovation by Startup (SIS) resonated strongly at COMEUP 2024. Industry leaders from Gridwiz, Sopung Ventures, SK Innovation, and Hyundai Engineering & Construction engaged in discussions on climate tech commercialization and sustainable investment trends, showcasing the critical role of startups in tackling global sustainability challenges.
The Inbound program, aimed at attracting global startups to innovate in Korea, saw participation from foreign entrepreneurs and businesses. Notably, AiMA Beyond AI, a Spanish AI digital human solution provider and the first company to receive Korea’s ‘Startup Korea Special Visa,’ drew attention for its groundbreaking technology.
A Festival for All
COMEUP 2024 offered tailored programs for participants of varying backgrounds and expertise. The Future Talk sessions were organized into tracks for Beginners, Experts, and Founders, allowing attendees to engage based on their level of familiarity with the startup ecosystem. Interactive events, such as docent programs for student groups, idea contests, and mobile-friendly networking platforms, further enriched the festival’s accessibility and appeal.
Looking Ahead
In his closing remarks, Han Sang-woo, Chairman of the Korea Startup Forum and COMEUP 2024 Advisory Committee, stated, “COMEUP 2024 has become a truly global festival where startups and investors from around the world come together to break down the boundaries of innovation and discuss the future together.” He added, “COMEUP will continue to encourage startups’ endless challenges and move forward as a hub of innovation where they can achieve shining results on the global stage.”
With its focus on fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, COMEUP 2024 has firmly positioned itself as a cornerstone event for startups and ecosystem players worldwide.
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