As the world’s startup ecosystems grow more connected, Korea is stepping forward as a bridge linking global founders with Asia’s technology markets. On December 11, the K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC) 2025 Demo Day will take place at the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center during COMEUP 2025, marking a decisive moment in Korea’s inbound innovation strategy.

Forty international startups, selected from a record-breaking pool of 2,626 applications from 97 countries, will present their market-entry plans and compete for a place among the Top 20 Phase 3 teams.

This Demo Day represents the culmination of KSGC’s year-long global selection journey, one that reflects Korea’s expanding role as a hub for cross-border entrepreneurship and innovation.

KSGC Demo Day 2025: The Culmination of a Global Selection Journey

The K-Startup Grand Challenge has evolved into one of Asia’s most respected global acceleration programs. Organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED), and operated by the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (GCCEI), the program has helped over 1,000 global startups enter and expand within Korea since its inception.

Stepping into its 10^th anniversary, this year’s Demo Day concludes a three-phase journey that began in April with a worldwide open call. Following extensive evaluations, 80 teams advanced to Phase 1 for online market exploration, and 40 teams moved into Phase 2, which focused on in-market acceleration and mentorship in Korea.

The Demo Day will determine the 20 teams that progress to Phase 3, where they will receive extended support to establish operations, acquire customers, and scale in the Korean market.

Paul Kwon, Global Business Team Lead at GCCEI, said,

“The teams reaching Demo Day have undergone months of preparation and validation. They’ve proven not only technological innovation but also a strong understanding of the Korean market. This event connects them directly with the investors and partners who can accelerate their growth.”

COMEUP 2025: A Larger Stage for Global Collaboration

By integrating KSGC Demo Day within COMEUP 2025, held December 10–12 under the theme “Recode the Future,” organizers are amplifying visibility for participating startups. The festival attracts thousands of investors, corporate leaders, and policymakers from around the world, creating a fertile ground for partnerships and investments.

Along with Tareq Amin (CEO of Humain) and Park Sung-hyun (CEO of Rebellions) spearheading the opening keynotes, COMEUP 2025 will also mark a crucial milestone as South Korea celebrates its 30^th venture movement anniversary.

Every KSGC team gains access to COMEUP’s high-level networking sessions, conferences, and exhibitions, making Demo Day a gateway to the broader Korean innovation ecosystem.

Hence, KSGC Demo Day 2025 will go beyond just a mere pitch competition, especially for global founders. In fact, it is an opportunity to enter one of the most sophisticated tech markets in Asia through direct exposure to government agencies, investors, and industry leaders.

10 Years of KSGC: A Decade of Building Korea’s Inbound Innovation Pipeline

Marking its 10th anniversary, KSGC 2025 introduces an upgraded hybrid structure and a significantly expanded equity-free support package of up to KRW 950 million (~ USD 633,000). This reinforces Korea’s long-term commitment to nurturing global founders and transforming the nation into a launchpad for international startups in Asia.

Through a mix of market access programs, mentorship, and localization support, the initiative reflects the Korean government’s evolving strategy — positioning the country as a key Asia-Pacific startup entry hub.

Global Startups Competing at KSGC 2025 Demo Day

This year’s 40 finalists represent frontier innovation across artificial intelligence, deep tech, healthcare, sustainability, and manufacturing — the core sectors driving Korea’s next growth wave.

AI, Data, and Automation

• Acurion – AI detecting genomic markers for precise, efficient cancer diagnosis
• ArbaLabs – Securing AI at the edge for aerospace and critical infrastructure with sovereign trusted tech
• AvoLabs – AI-driven B2B EdTech tools delivering personalized learning and automation
• Digital Human Corporation – Human-centric AI with KAi, an empathetic digital companion for elderly support
• Edsy – AI English coach enhancing classrooms with personalized practice and tailored scaffolding
• Groundup.AI – AI asset management using sensors and agents to predict equipment failures early
• Markopolo AI – AI automation platform personalizing engagement via SMS, email, push, and WhatsApp
• Metroo – AI-powered cloud development studio with integrated hosting and deployment
• Predulive Labs – AI infrastructure analytics detecting defects and compliance issues in real time
• RIFFAI – AI sensing technology monitoring environmental changes and pollution
• Shanghai Yixiao Information Technology – AI agent enabling enterprise apps to execute via natural language
• Workist – AI agent automating sales documents from inbox to ERP across formats and languages

Cybersecurity, Software, and Digital Infrastructure

• CyStack – Cybersecurity firm offering innovative, research-driven security solutions
• Peris.ai – AI orchestration platform detecting and responding to cyber threats in real time
• RedMimicry – Safe malware simulation platform for enterprise cybersecurity training
• Smart Contract – Automated smart contract workflows simplifying document and identity processes
• InsightMatches – AI SaaS platform automating and accelerating global research and innovation matching
• Trust Stamp – AI identity technologies reducing fraud while protecting privacy

Healthcare and Life Sciences

• BION – LEO™ Gluten Sensor helping manage gluten intolerance with simple food-allergy detection
• Exoheal – Accessible, affordable hand-paralysis rehabilitation device
• Lasarkaali Life Sciences – Clinically proven dental nutrition products reducing pain and recovery time
• Patientory – Web3 health platform enabling secure management and sharing of personal medical data
• Prometheus MedTech.AI / UES – AI-powered UES technology enabling early diagnosis of congenital heart defects
• Vyuhaa Med Data – AI-native modular diagnostics lab enabling early cancer detection in rural communities

Advanced Manufacturing and Deep Tech

• CMMC – Lightweight structural material combining aluminum and ceramic performance
• Hanjing Semi – Quartz and SiC semiconductor components with high-quality, reliable manufacturing
• nanoCaps – CNT-based energy storage delivering extreme power, high density, and rapid response
• Oreyeon LDA – AI digital tools improving airport safety inspections and operational processes
• IDOLL Robotics – Emotionally intelligent robot that sees, feels, and grows with users
• PIX FORCE – Computer vision transforming images into actionable insights for safer operations

Sustainability and Future Energy

• Parongpong RAW Lab – Converts residual waste into durable, lightweight sustainable building materials
• Protein Kapital – Sustainable alternative protein and bio-fertilizer produced using insects and food waste
• Veritas Vietnam – Turns agricultural waste into carbon-negative pallets replacing wood and plastic
• Umami Bioworks – AI-powered biotech platform creating next-generation marine ingredients and seafood

Mobility, Smart Living, and Consumer Solutions

• KONNECT – Super-app for foreigners integrating search, bookings, payments, and verification
• Pierrot Company – IT device subscription and IT recovery service
• TaggIoT – Smart Tag IoT sensors and analytics improving safety and efficiency in shipping
• 3TGDS – Travel Trust Tickets enabling instant redemption across global travel and lifestyle services
• Niio – Platform turning any screen into a digital art canvas streaming curated global art
• MaimHaim – AI geofencing that auto-activates location-based services at venues and facilities

KSGC Demo Day: A Living Test of Korea’s Global Innovation Strategy

Beyond its showcase event, KSGC Demo Day 2025 has becom a living example of how Korea’s inbound innovation policy is taking shape. By attracting top-tier global startups, the program strengthens the local ecosystem with diversity, new technologies, and global talent networks.

It also serves as a testing ground for Korea’s innovation diplomacy, where international founders integrate into the domestic venture landscape, collaborating with accelerators, research institutions, and large corporations. Each selected startup not only gains exposure and guided strategy to expand to the Korean market but also contributes to building the connective tissue of a truly globalized Korean innovation economy.

As for investors and policymakers, this event underscores how strategic inbound programs like KSGC can redefine a nation’s role within the Asia-Pacific startup corridor — transforming Korea into a hub of both innovation inflow and outbound scaling.

A Decade of KSGC and the Future It’s Now Shaping

As KSGC celebrates a decade of fostering international founders, Demo Day 2025 marks a symbolic moment in its evolution — where vision meets proof of concept.

These 40 teams represent not only individual achievements, but the collective momentum of a nation determined to build a global innovation economy rooted in collaboration and openness.

And eventually, it sends a strong signal to global founders, investors, and partners: Korea is no longer a mere participant in the future of innovation, but one of the nations that’s currently defining it.

KSGC Demo Day Event Details:

• Date: December 11, 2025
• Event Name: K-Startup Grand Challenge 2025 Demo Day (as part of COMEUP 2025, December 10–12)
• Venue: COEX Convention & Exhibition Center, Seoul
• Organizers: Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), KISED, GCCEI
• Official Site: https://www.k-startupgc.org

Global Innovation Starts with KSGC Demo Day

Witness where the world’s next big ideas take off at COMEUP 2025 Seoul

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