Korean Startups Target the Canadian Market, a Global Leader in AI

KOTRA to Operate Korea Pavilion at Web Summit 2025 in Vancouver
Six Korean Startups to Showcase AI-Based Technologies and Network with Global Investors
Canada Recognized as a Hub for AI Innovation and Startup Expansion
Korea-Canada Tech Startup Conference to Foster Business Collaboration

KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) announced on the 26th that it will operate the Korea Pavilion at the "Web Summit 2025," held in Vancouver, Canada, for four days starting from the 27th, in collaboration with the Gyeonggi-do Economic Science Promotion Agency. The Web Summit is a global technology conference held in cities such as Lisbon, Portugal; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Doha, Qatar.

In North America, the event had previously been held in Toronto, Canada, under the name "Collision." However, starting this year, the venue has moved to Vancouver and the event will be unified under the name "Web Summit." For reference, last year's Collision event attracted over 38,000 participants, including 1,600 startups from 117 countries and more than 750 investors.

KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) announced on the 26th that it will operate the Korea Pavilion at the "Web Summit 2025," held in Vancouver, Canada, for four days starting from the 27th, in collaboration with the Gyeonggi-do Economic Science Promotion Agency. KOTRA

Canada is recognized as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The country is home to internationally renowned AI research institutions such as the Vector Institute and the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII), as well as more than 1,500 AI startups. Canada also ranks among the top countries worldwide in terms of AI talent pool.

Additionally, Canada is actively attracting overseas startups and has well-developed clusters that support technology commercialization and global expansion, making it an attractive base for Korean startups seeking to enter the North American market.

At this exhibition, six domestic startups with competitive strengths in AI-based fields such as Software as a Service (SaaS), health tech, and clean tech will participate. In addition to exhibiting at their booths, these companies will also engage in networking with global corporations and participate in programs such as IR (Investor Relations) pitching sessions targeting local investors.

Before the exhibition opens, participating companies will visit "SFU VentureLabs," a prominent accelerator in Vancouver, to learn about the local startup ecosystem and network with local entrepreneurs. KOTRA will also provide a shared office space (K-Tech Camp) for participating companies to use freely during their stay.

On the afternoon of the first day of the exhibition, the 28th, the "Korea-Canada Tech Startup Conference" will be held. At this event, Korean startups will introduce their products and services to Canadian investors and buyers, and seek various forms of business opportunities, including proof-of-concept, joint research and development, and business collaboration.

Choi Hyunsoo, head of KOTRA's Vancouver Trade Office, stated, "Canada is an attractive market that is rapidly growing in advanced technology sectors, including AI. We will do our utmost to support our startups so that their innovative technologies and ideas can successfully enter the local market through participation in this Web Summit."