K-Startup Attracts Attention by Partnering with Global Companies through Technological Competitiveness

Increasing Trend of Startups Recognized for Technology in Autonomous Driving and Education Solutions

Seoul Robotics, a LiDAR software specialist known as the eyes of autonomous vehicles, is globally recognized for its technology by supplying LiDAR solutions to global companies such as Qualcomm, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. Photo by Seoul Robotics

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Amid the remarkable growth of domestic startups, cases of companies expanding their businesses by partnering with global corporations are attracting attention.

According to industry sources on the 31st, the number of startups receiving love calls from overseas companies with innovative technologies and ideas is increasing. In particular, the activities of K-startups leading digital transformation and innovation in various industries such as autonomous driving, medical care, accommodation, and education stand out.

Seoul Robotics Signs Partnerships with Global Companies such as Qualcomm, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Macnica

In the autonomous vehicle sector, which is gaining attention as a field that will lead future industries, there is a domestic startup recognized as the number one in technology, surpassing global companies. Seoul Robotics, a LiDAR software specialist known as the "eyes" of autonomous vehicles, is globally recognized for its technology by supplying LiDAR solutions to global companies such as Qualcomm, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW.

Seoul Robotics recently entered Japan by establishing a strategic partnership with Macnica, Japan's largest semiconductor trading company. They are applying their LiDAR and 3D sensor-based solutions to Macnica’s specialized fields such as smart cities, retail, and security to secure distribution channels in the Japanese market. Notably, Seoul Robotics’ software is compatible with sensors from over 120 LiDAR companies worldwide, aiming to expand beyond commercialization in Japan to the global market.

Lunit Collaborates with Intel to Expand CPU-Based AI Software

The technological capabilities of the domestic medical industry are also advancing day by day. Medical AI company Lunit is expanding AI software offerings to CPU-based customers through collaboration with global semiconductor company Intel.

Lunit applied Intel’s OpenVINO technology to its AI-assisted diagnostic software for lung diseases, 'Lunit INSIGHT CXR,' building a system capable of rapid data processing not only on graphics processing units (GPUs) but also on central processing units (CPUs).

Intel’s OpenVINO is an independent toolkit for developing data analysis and AI services, applicable to processors of various performance levels to optimize AI algorithms. Through this, Lunit’s medical AI products can be applied in CPU environments, enabling additional adoption by hospitals and medical institutions that find GPU solutions relatively expensive, thereby providing broader support.

Onda Selected as Partner of the World’s Largest Portal ‘Google Hotel’... Establishing a D2C Environment Connecting Accommodation Providers and Customers

Accommodation B2B startup Onda (ONDA) has been selected as the first domestic partner of the world’s largest portal ‘Google Hotel’ and has started accommodation reservation services. Through entry into Google Hotel, Onda plans to provide a D2C (Direct to Customer) business connecting partner accommodation providers and customers.

Google Hotel is an accommodation search and reservation service supported by Google, the world’s largest search engine, providing travelers with quick access to information such as room prices and availability. It is linked with Google Maps, allowing easy confirmation of accommodation locations and information worldwide, and offers a user-friendly intuitive interface. Users can view room prices for selected dates at a glance, facilitating convenient lowest-price reservations, and detailed searches are possible through big data-based filter search functions.

Additionally, when paying for accommodation on Google Hotel, the payment page can directly link to the accommodation provider’s own website, enabling D2C services for incoming customers and direct communication with accommodation providers. Onda provides professional consulting services such as search engine optimization and online customer response to maximize promotion and customer inflow effects for partner accommodation providers on Google Hotel.

Onda CEO Oh Hyunseok said, “Our proprietary technology and business model have been recognized by global companies with powerful worldwide influence, giving us the momentum for rapid growth,” adding, “We will continue to expand our business overseas so that our partners can secure competitiveness in the industry under optimal conditions.”

Riiid Signs AI Learning Technology Supply Contract with South America’s Largest Education Companies

Domestic artificial intelligence (AI) education solutions are also leading a new learning paradigm as they are introduced into the global education market. Riiid, a startup providing AI-based education services such as Santa TOEIC, has signed AI technology solution supply contracts with Inicie Group and Casa Grande Interactive, the largest education companies in the South American region.

Through this contract, Riiid will receive lecture content and learning problem-solving data from Inicie Group and Casa Grande Interactive to develop AI learning services for university entrance exams. Based on this, they plan to develop an app that diagnoses each student’s abilities and provides optimal learning goals. In addition to this contract, Riiid is also discussing supplying AI education solutions to Casa Grande Interactive in Puerto Rico.

A Riiid representative said, “In July and September last year, we signed strategic partnerships with global education giants such as Kaplan and Connect Education,” adding, “Following North America and the Middle East, we are discussing the expansion of our self-developed AI learning solutions into South America.”