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Plug and Play GOAL Program: Gathering Momentum for Global Startup Innovations in 2025

Plug and Play GOAL has reached impressive milestones in 2024 as it continues to drive innovation, encourage collaboration, and elevate its global influence. With a vision for the future, Plug and Play is set to enhance its footprint in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in 2025, once again proving its commitment to new startups and innovators worldwide.

Key Achievements in 2024

Last year, the US Soft Landing program played a vital role in supporting 90 startups from over 12 countries, offering 13 programs delivered through both in-person and hybrid models. Since its inception in 2009, the GOAL program has accelerated more than 1,000 startups, connecting them to invaluable resources in Silicon Valley.

The year saw extensive collaboration with 16 prominent partners and program sponsors, including notable organizations such as the Armenian Ministry of High Tech Industry, City of Hamburg, City of Laval, and the Korean Ministry of Environment. These partnerships were instrumental in fostering startup growth and propelling innovation to the forefront.

Alexandre Corriveau, Director of Terro X from Laval, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Our startups are integrated into the Plug and Play ecosystem, which offers unique advantages, from cultural exposure to insights on expanding their business in the U.S.”

Building Valuable Networks

Networking and identifying emerging trends are at the core of success, according to Jon Steffen Therkildsen, Senior Advisor at Innovation Centre Denmark. He emphasized that connecting with the American business culture and investor networks through Plug and Play is essential for navigating both U.S. and global markets.

Jaehong Min, VP of the Korea Environmental Industry Association, added that “Plug and Play acts not only as a powerhouse in Silicon Valley but also as a critical global hub aiding industries worldwide.” The well-structured program offers participants a range of mentorship opportunities, culminating in significant growth for attendees.

Workshops and Mentorship

Last year, the GOAL program provided comprehensive support through over 100 workshops focused on Silicon Valley best practices in areas like market entry strategies, scaling operations, and fundraising. With more than 350 mentor introductions and personalized guidance from industry experts, participants benefited enormously from a robust global network of over 550 corporate partners.

Events like the Global Startup Showcases held during the June and November summits attracted over 3,500 attendees, including investors, government representatives, and startups, aligning corporations and innovation seekers toward common goals.

Alumni Success Stories

Several alumni of the program shared their transformation journeys, underscoring the positive impact of GOAL on their business ventures.
Eddie Yu, Founder and CEO of Okosix from Hong Kong, reflected, “Plug and Play’s connections were remarkable, offering access to over 15 potential investors during the Silicon Valley Summit.”
Catherine Kurt, CEO of AQ22 from Lithuania, noted how attending the program helped refine their strategies and build crucial partnerships. “This experience was transformative for us.”

As Siyoung Na, Founder and CEO of Carbon Energy from South Korea, expressed, “The GOAL program far exceeded our expectations; I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to expand their global network.”

Berkan Mifleh, Co-Founder of Malty from Turkey, described the program as a significant milestone, helping their startup gain exposure and drive global ambitions.
Tomas Byčkovas, CEO of Biohifas from Lithuania, emphasized the advantages of engaging with industry mentors to enhance operations and scale business effectively.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The success of the Plug and Play GOAL program is reflected in numerous partnerships and pilot projects initiated through its platform. As the program looks to 2025, it remains committed to expanding its reach and fostering innovation across global markets.

Plug and Play is eager to replicate its impressive progress in startup support and collaboration, emphasizing its mission to bridge the gaps between various markets while driving economic growth.

To learn more about the Plug and Play GOAL program or to explore partnership opportunities, please reach out to Elina Gorji, Senior Program Manager, at [email protected] or Yui Koda, Program Manager, at [email protected]

For more information about Plug and Play, visit Plug and Play.