COMEUP 2024 Concludes as a Major Global Startup Festival Shaping Innovation

COMEUP 2024: A Landmark Festival for Startups

The Korea Startup Forum (KSF), led by Chairman Sangwoo Han, has announced the successful conclusion of COMEUP 2024, held on December 11 and 12 at COEX in Seoul. This year's festival drew attention from startups, investors, and enthusiasts from all corners of the globe, further establishing its international status. Over 260 startups from 45 countries participated, with significant representation from the UAE, India, Japan, and Sweden showcasing various technologies.

A Platform for Ideas and Networking

The event featured numerous presentations, exhibitions, and networking opportunities, allowing startups from countries like Germany, Austria, South Africa, and more to pitch their innovative ideas. Notably, organizations such as the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) were in attendance, underscoring the festival’s global connections.

Discussions during the festival highlighted crucial global technological trends, including deep tech and sustainable innovation. On December 11, speakers Qamar Aftab from Wa'ed Ventures and Sunghyun Park from Rebellions shared valuable insights on cross-border innovation, captivating attendees. The following day, SooJong Kim, CEO of INNOSPACE, drew significant interest as he elaborated on the burgeoning opportunities in the space industry.

Celebrating Startups and Innovations

A standout moment of COMEUP 2024 was the public pitching event called “IR Startup Valley,” where startups competed for a chance to participate in Viva Technology 2025 in France. Toonimotion, Foretell My Health, and POSCORE emerged winners in the Rookie League, while CUBIG, ZETIC.ai, and Tublet Korea showcased their advancements in AI and cybersecurity.

The “Open Innovation Ground” initiative facilitated collaboration opportunities between startups and global companies including Microsoft, NVIDIA, Hyundai Motor, and Siemens. Personalized matchmaking sessions and expert talks on topics such as global expansion and funding further enriched the experience for participants. The platform “On the COMEUP” achieved an impressive 1,900 successful partnerships, nearly doubling last year’s figure, demonstrating the effectiveness of this networking approach.

The festival also spotlighted foreign startups like AiMA Beyond AI from Spain, recognized for its innovative digital human solutions powered by artificial intelligence, generating significant interest as it looks to penetrate the Korean market.

A Vision for Future Innovations

Sangwoo Han emphasized the festival's mission during the closing remarks, stating, “COMEUP 2024 has turned into a global festival where startups and investors from around the world collaborate, push the boundaries of innovation, and shape the future.” The KSF is committed to supporting startups in overcoming challenges and achieving international success.

For those wanting to revisit the highlights and key moments, recordings of COMEUP 2024 are available on its official YouTube channel, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere and cutting-edge innovations discussed over the two days.

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, events like COMEUP 2024 play a crucial role in nurturing the startup ecosystem, fostering collaboration, and propelling innovative ideas forward into tangible success.