Over 1,600 Startups Including AI and Climate Tech Join the Event
More Than 250 Global Companies and Investors to Discuss Collaboration
The Korea International Trade Association announced on May 26 that, together with Korea Development Bank, it will host Asia's largest startup event, "NextRise 2025," at COEX in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on June 26-27.
NextRise is a flagship domestic startup event co-hosted by the Korea International Trade Association and Korea Development Bank since 2019 to foster the growth and globalization of Korea's startup ecosystem. This year marks its seventh edition. The event will be held on the largest scale ever, with more than 250 domestic and international conglomerates, mid-sized companies, and investment firms, as well as over 1,600 startups participating. Attendees will seek opportunities for technological and business collaboration through various programs, including booth exhibitions, 1:1 meetups, conferences, and IR pitching sessions.
This year, in particular, attention is focused on the gathering of leading domestic and international artificial intelligence (AI) startups. Key global AI startups will participate, including Rebellions, Korea's first unicorn in the AI semiconductor sector; Anthropic, a global unicorn in the generative AI field; and Perplexity, a unicorn in the AI platform sector. These companies will offer insights into the present and future of AI technology. A unicorn company refers to a privately held startup valued at over 1 trillion KRW.
The climate tech sector is also drawing attention. Sean O'Sullivan, founder of SOSV, a leading global investment firm in this field, will speak at the conference to share insights on trends and investment in sustainability technology. In addition, global companies such as Airbus and Tata Steel will participate to share their carbon reduction and sustainability strategies, and will discuss technology exchange and investment opportunities with startups through 1:1 meetups.
Furthermore, a large number of global Fortune 500 companies will participate, ranging from mobility companies such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Renault, to consumer goods companies such as L'Oreal and P&G. In addition, Germany, the guest country of honor for this year's event, will send a delegation consisting of government representatives from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), startup support organizations, and 20 promising startups, to facilitate exchange between the startup ecosystems of the two countries.
Lee Myungja, Executive Director of Overseas Marketing at the Korea International Trade Association, stated, "With the largest-ever participation of global companies and organizations at this year's NextRise, it will be a great opportunity for our startups to expand their global networks," adding, "We hope this event will serve as a meaningful platform where key players driving innovation ecosystems worldwide come together to discuss cooperation and change."
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