Global capital is watching Dubai as the Middle East sharpens its focus on next-generation industries. At GITEX North Star 2025, Korea is stepping in with ten startups that are not only technology leaders but also strategically prepared for scale. This showcase serves beyond a mere exhibition, giving Dubai investors a rare chance to access Korean companies positioned to drive cross-regional growth.

Ten Korean Innovations Take Center Stage at GITEX North Star 2025

Dubai investors and corporate buyers, get ready to meet ten of Korea’s most investment-ready startups when GITEX North Star 2025 opens at Dubai Harbour, Hall 8, C140, from October 12–15.

Each of these Korean startups has been carefully vetted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) and the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED), the two national bodies steering Korea’s global startup strategy.

They will be joining a special exhibition, global scale-up showcase, business meetup, and networking session at 2025 K-Startup Center X GITEX Expand North Star Program, hosted by the MSS and organized by KISED and PEN Ventures Korea.

The delegation spans the world’s fastest-growing sectors—energy, mobility, AI, robotics, and healthcare—and every founder arrives with market research, investor-relations prep, and global mentoring already complete. And so, this is a direct gateway for investors and strategic buyers to Korean innovation with a fraction of the usual risk.

MSS and KISED: Trusted Backers of Korea’s Startup Ecosystem

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) is Korea’s central government body overseeing startup and SME policies. Each year, it allocates billions of dollars to foster entrepreneurship, investment, and global cooperation.

Its key agency, the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED), directly operates K-Startup Centers (KSC) across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Since 2019, KISED has supported over 420 startups in successfully entering global markets.

The ten startups chosen for Dubai have passed a multi-stage selection focused on global scalability, technological edge, and market potential. Their presence signals that Korea is not only exporting technology but also its acceleration model, creating opportunities for cross-border investment and partnerships.

Investor Access: Pitch, Evaluate, Partner

To streamline deal-making, the program offers two structured engagement formats:

Pitching Sessions: October 13–14, 1:30 PM–3:00 PM (five minutes per company).

One-on-One Matchmaking: October 13–14, 3:00 PM–6:00 PM.

Investors can evaluate each company on stage and immediately move to private discussions, turning introductions into actionable partnerships within hours.

Meet the 10 Innovators Joining GITEX North Star 2025 Dubai

Energy & Sustainability

60Hertz Inc. – An AI-powered decentralized energy platform for renewable management and trading. Helps enterprises cut costs and reduce carbon emissions, accelerating the global energy transition with solutions such as satellite-enabled systems and V2G.

SEANERGY PARTNER Co., Ltd. – AI and big-data solutions for maritime trade and logistics, replacing manual workflows with automation. Provides real-time analytics, predictive pricing, and risk monitoring, targeting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Mobility & Aerospace

Airbility Inc. – Founded in 2023, Airbility develops high-speed eVTOL aircraft with tilt-fan VTOL, autonomous flight, and hybrid propulsion. Current lineup includes the AB-U4, AB-U10, and AB-U60, with the AB-M300 manned platform in development. With over KRW 4 billion raised, the company is pursuing entry into the U.S., Southeast Asia, and Middle East markets.

Deep In Sight – Delivers embedded-AI 3D vision solutions that solve industrial problems. Products include CAMOSYS (in-cabin monitoring) and a portable 3D scanner, enabling global growth through software licensing and subscriptions across mobility, digital twins, and healthcare devices.

AI · Data & Smart Cities

Blockwave Labs – Developer of ParkLink, an AI-based parking management solution. Uses existing CCTV to detect, analyze, and optimize vehicle flow, offering a cost-effective smart city infrastructure without additional sensors.

SanctionLab – Provider of a global sanctions and risk intelligence platform with over 2 million records. Simplifies complex compliance by making risks searchable and actionable, enabling SMEs to automate monitoring and mitigate international trade risks.

Hoppers Inc. – Operator of Hoppin, a global workation platform integrating co-working and co-living for digital nomads and professionals. Expanding across East Asia and the Middle East, Hoppin connects global talent with local ecosystems through partnerships with both private and public sectors.

Robotics & Infrastructure

Soteria8 Co., Ltd. – Builds AI and robotics solutions for detecting water-pipeline leaks and aging infrastructure. By combining satellites, drones, and sensors, Soteria8 addresses urban safety challenges and is expanding across Japan, the Middle East, and the EU.

Healthcare & Biotech

Tesser Inc. – Developer of Ontol, a next-generation AI medical platform. Provides imaging analysis, patient-specific diagnostics, and 24/7 guidance. Offers B2B modules for insurers and hospitals, including remote-care support, workflow optimization, and structured medical data services.

Turinax Inc. – Specializes in biotechnology-based hair-loss care. Uses regenerative medicine technologies such as PDRN and Spicule to create advanced scalp and hair health solutions. Positioned for rapid growth in Asia and Middle Eastern markets.

A Curated Gateway to Asia’s Fastest-Growing Sectors

For Dubai’s investment community, the value of this showcase lies in three key advantages.

First, every startup has been rigorously screened and supported by Korea’s leading government agencies, giving investors confidence in their credibility and readiness. Second, the portfolio spans sectors where global demand is accelerating—energy transition, smart cities, advanced mobility, AI, and healthcare. Finally, the program goes beyond exhibition by offering structured pitch sessions and one-on-one matchmaking, turning introductions into actionable deal flow on the spot.

The K-Startup Center X GITEX North Star 2025 program is therefore not just another trade-floor display. It is a curated gateway into ten high-potential companies already positioned for global expansion. It also means reduced risk, immediate access for Dubai investors and buyers to deal-making opportunities, and the ability to secure an early stake in technologies that will define the next decade of growth across Asia and the Middle East.

K-Startup Center X GITEX North Star 2025 – Apply Now!

Finally, meeting the 10 Korean startups at K-Startup Center X GITEX North Star 2025 is a chance to secure early positions in technologies shaping the next decade of energy, mobility, and AI innovation—backed by a national ecosystem committed to global success.

Mark your calendar and register now to secure direct access to Korea’s most promising startups and position your portfolio at the center of Asia–Middle East innovation.

Your Gateway to Asia’s Next Innovation Opens in Dubai

Seize the chance to meet vetted innovators, explore strategic partnerships, and invest in technologies driving Asia–MENA growth.

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