COMEUP 2024: A Global Startup Festival That Redefines Innovation and Collaboration

COMEUP 2024: The Pinnacle of Global Innovation

The long-anticipated COMEUP 2024, hosted by the Korea Startup Forum, concluded on December 12, 2024, at the COEX Center in Seoul. This event was not just a gathering; it was a celebration of innovation, attracting over 260 startups from 45 different countries. Among these, more than half hailed from international backgrounds, showcasing the global nature of entrepreneurship today.

The festival highlighted various national pavilions, including those from the UAE, India, Japan, and Sweden, which exhibited cutting-edge technologies that promise to reshape industries worldwide. Notably, the event featured several pitching sessions where 120 startups from countries such as Germany, Austria, Sweden, and South Africa participated, contributing to a dynamic atmosphere of networking and collaboration. The participation of esteemed organizations like the International Trade Center (ITC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) added significant credibility to the event, symbolizing the collective effort to foster innovation and support startups across the globe.

Emphasis on Global Technology Trends

One of the pivotal themes of COMEUP 2024 was its focus on global tech ecosystem trends. Discussions revolved around deep tech, inbound innovation, and sustainable innovation strategies (SIS). On December 11, speakers like Qamar Aftab from Wa'ed Ventures and Sunghyun Park from Rebellions offered invaluable insights into cross-border innovation, emphasizing how geographical boundaries are increasingly becoming irrelevant in the world of technology.

The following day featured SooJong Kim, CEO of INNOSPACE, who captivated the audience with a talk about the burgeoning opportunities within the space industry. His insights illuminated the untapped potential and the future direction of space-related entrepreneurship.

Startup Valley: A Launchpad for Young Innovators

The public IR pitching event, dubbed Startup Valley, saw first-time startups compete for visibility and growth. Toonimotion, Foretell My Health, and POSCORE emerged as Rookie League champions, winning a much-coveted spot at Viva Technology 2025 in France—an excellent opportunity for these startups to gain international recognition.

Other remarkable finalists, such as CUBIG, ZETIC.ai, and Tublet Korea, have made strides in noteworthy fields like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, highlighting the diverse innovation landscape that the festival promotes.

Opening Doors to Collaboration

The Open Innovation Ground program was instrumental in facilitating partnerships between startups and established companies like Microsoft, NVIDIA, Hyundai Motor, and Siemens. This unique program encouraged startups to engage directly with industry giants, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Customized matchmaking sessions provided expert discussions on topics ranging from global expansion to funding opportunities. Impressively, the On the COMEUP platform facilitated 1,900 successful business matches, nearly doubling the record from the previous year. This reflects the festival's commitment to helping startups expand their reach and tap into new markets.

Spotlight on Inbound Innovation

The Inbound Innovation track showcased foreign startups, positioning them within the Korean market. One standout was AiMA Beyond AI, a Spanish company that has been making waves with its innovative AI-powered digital human solutions. Their enthusiastic approach to entering the Korean market garnered considerable attention, showcasing the event's role in bridging international gaps.

Sangwoo Han, Chairman of the Korea Startup Forum, expressed pride in how comeup 2024 has evolved into a global festival where startups and investors connect to break innovation boundaries. He reaffirmed the forum's dedication to supporting startups in navigating challenges and achieving international success.

To relive the highlights of COMEUP 2024, visit the official YouTube channel, where recordings of key moments are readily available. This year’s festival has indeed set a new standard for global entrepreneurship, proving that innovation knows no borders and reinforcing South Korea’s position as a hub for startups and investment.

For more information and updates, keep an eye on future events by the Korea Startup Forum, as they continue to bolster innovation and foster a collaborative environment for startups aiming for global influence.