Seoul Business Agency's Global Innovation Forum Showcases Startup Ecosystem

Spotlight on Innovation: Global Innovation Forum at CES 2026

On January 7, 2026, the Seoul Business Agency (SBA) proudly hosted the Global Innovation Forum at CES, the premier stage for technology and innovation. This event marked a significant milestone as it assembled emerging startups from around the globe, establishing a dynamic platform for networking, investment, and market expansion.

Following its inaugural launch as the Seoul Innovation Forum in 2025, this year's rebranding to the Global Innovation Forum reflects its broader ambition: to transcend geographical barriers and unite different national startup ecosystems.

A New Era of Startup Collaboration

The Global Innovation Forum brought together seven key player countries known for their vibrant startup ecosystems. These countries included South Korea, Switzerland, Israel, Japan, Canada, and France. Each nation selected promising startups to participate in a pitch competition. Notably, the event aimed to create a natural networking space amid CES, facilitating important connections for startups eager to enter global markets.

The forum's design involved a blend of pitching sessions and informal networking opportunities, ensuring that startups had the chance to showcase their innovations directly to potential investors and global media representatives.

The Pitch Competition: A Platform for Visibility

A core feature of the Global Innovation Forum was the IR pitching competition, where startups showcased their business models and technologies before a jury composed of both global media and venture capitalists. This year’s format highlighted a diverse panel, enhancing the competition's credibility and providing more robust investment opportunities.

Each participating country presented its standout startups, which presented pitches to impressed judges at the event. Among the standout participants, the Grand Award was presented to Firsthabit from the Seoul Pavilion, who expressed their excitement over receiving the esteemed award and recognition at such a significant international venue.

In addition, the Scale-up Award was given to Hua Tech International from Switzerland, while CubicSpace from Quebec earned the Impact Award. With prize money attached to these accolades, the competition not only recognized innovation but also incentivized growth and development among the participants.

Cultivating Global Networks

The Global Innovation Forum did not just focus on competitions but also emphasized the importance of networking. With representatives from venture capital firms, media, and startup organizations present, the forum served as a melting pot of ideas and opportunities.

Attendees had the chance to engage in meaningful dialogues, share insights, and explore potential partnerships, reflecting the forum's commitment to fostering a collaborative environment. After the pitches, a dedicated networking session allowed participants to exchange views on contemporary challenges and prospects within the tech industry. This interactive aspect was met with enthusiasm from startups eager to engage with stakeholders who play vital roles in the ecosystem.

Looking Towards the Future

Hyun Woo Kim, the CEO of SBA, emphasized the significance of the forum for the future of international startup cooperation, stating that the Global Innovation Forum intends to become a key fixture at CES for all players involved in the startup landscape. As startups individually plan entry into international markets, the connections made at the forum are expected to pave the way for new ventures and collaborations.

Overall, the Global Innovation Forum at CES 2026 not only celebrated the ingenuity of startups but also illustrated the potential of international cooperation in enhancing global innovation. By bringing together diverse perspectives and fostering collaboration, the event successfully strengthened the global startup ecosystem, promising exciting developments ahead in the field of technology and entrepreneurship.