The future of innovation is here! COMEUP 2024 brought together startups, investors, and corporations to explore deep tech, inbound innovation, and sustainable solutions.
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| COMEUP 2024, a global startup festival, concluded successfully, connecting innovators from 45 countries. The latest tech trends, startup pitches, and networking opportunities. Image: COMEUP 2024 |
Seoul, South Korea – December 20, 2024:
The Korea Startup Forum (KSF) announced the successful conclusion of COMEUP 2024, a global startup festival held on December 11th and 12th at COEX in Seoul. The event attracted participants from 45 countries, including startups, investors, established corporations, aspiring entrepreneurs, and the general public, solidifying its position as a leading international platform for innovation.
COMEUP 2024 featured a diverse range of participants, with more than half of the 260 startups coming from outside Korea. National pavilions from the UAE, India, Japan, and Sweden showcased cutting-edge technologies, while individual startups from 21 countries participated in pitching sessions, exhibitions, and networking events. Organizations like the International Trade Center (ITC) and the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) also played a role in the event.
The festival focused on key trends shaping the global tech ecosystem, including deep tech, inbound innovation (foreign startups entering new markets), and sustainable innovation (SIS). Panel discussions featured prominent figures like Qamar Aftab of Wa'ed Ventures and Sunghyun Park of Rebellions, who explored cross-border innovation opportunities. Additionally, SooJong Kim, CEO of INNOSPACE, captivated audiences with his insights on the space industry.
The public IR pitching event, Startup Valley, crowned Toonimotion, Foretell My Health, and POSCORE as the Rookie League winners. This win grants them a coveted spot at Viva Technology 2025 in France. Other finalists like CUBIG, ZETIC.ai, and Tublet Korea impressed attendees with their advancements in AI and cybersecurity.
The Open Innovation Ground program fostered collaboration between startups and established companies like Microsoft, NVIDIA, Hyundai Motor, and Siemens. Experts led matchmaking sessions on global expansion and funding, while the On the COMEUP platform facilitated a record-breaking 1,900 successful business matches – nearly double the previous year's figure.
The Inbound Innovation track specifically highlighted foreign startups, showcasing their innovative spirit. AiMA Beyond AI, a Spanish company creating AI-powered digital human solutions, garnered significant attention for their technology and successful Korean market entry efforts.
Sangwoo Han, Chairman of the Korea Startup Forum, expressed his enthusiasm for the event's success. "COMEUP 2024 has become a global platform where startups and investors can collaborate, push the boundaries of innovation, and shape the future," he stated. "We remain dedicated to supporting startups as they tackle new challenges and achieve global success."
Highlights and replays from COMEUP 2024 are available on the official YouTube channel for those who wish to relive the event's excitement.