[CES 2026] From EV Batteries to Quantum: A Look at Startups Nurtured by Hyundai Motor Group

Hyundai's Innovation Platform ZER01NE
Ten Startups Nurtured by ZER01NE to Participate
Fostering In-House and External Startups, 40 Spin-Offs Achieved

Hyundai Motor Group Open Innovation Platform ZERO1NE (ZER01NE)

Hyundai Motor Group's open innovation platform ZERO1NE announced on January 7 (local time) that it will showcase innovative startup technologies to the world at CES 2026, the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition. ZERO1NE has participated in CES for four consecutive years since 2023.

This year at CES 2026, a total of ten startups will participate: one in-house startup nurtured by ZERO1NE, four external startups supported through the ZERO1NE Accelerator, and five global startups collaborating with 'Hyundai CRADLE,' Hyundai's global open innovation hub. Notably, startups collaborating with Hyundai CRADLE account for half of all participating companies, highlighting ZERO1NE's global influence and scalability.

The participating startups are: Solastic (plastic packaging solar module solutions), Qnova (quantum computer application software solutions), IdeaOcean (AI design software and modular hardware development based on mechanism autonomous design technology), GenGenAI (domain-specific generative AI-based learning visual data supply solutions), DeepInsight (AI-based 3D camera solutions), ElectricFish (distributed energy storage devices combined with ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) chargers), AIOLA (AI voice workflow solutions), ThreeDC (graphene-based next-generation battery material design), Carpow (real-time energy supply solutions for industrial automation and robotics), and DataCrew (EV battery analysis and intelligence solutions).

Hyundai Motor Group Open Innovation Platform ZERO1NE (ZER01NE)

Since 2018, ZERO1NE has been dedicated to nurturing in-house startups among its employees, while also continuously discovering and investing in promising external startups. Through its in-house startup incubation program, 'ZERO1NE Company Builder,' it invests in employees with ideas across various fields, not limited to automobiles. To date, a total of 40 in-house startups have spun off as independent companies.

In addition, the 'ZERO1NE Accelerator' program identifies, invests in, and nurtures outstanding external startups, verifying and developing the strategic commercialization potential of innovative technologies. So far, ZERO1NE has invested in 109 startups and carried out 150 collaborative projects.

A ZERO1NE official stated, "ZERO1NE is strengthening Hyundai Motor Group's open innovation capabilities by collaborating with creative partners worldwide," adding, "We will actively promote the excellence of the startups participating in this exhibition to foster the growth of the startup ecosystem."