#South Korea #Seoul #COMEUP 2024 #Korea Startup Forum #Global Startups

Celebrating Innovation at COMEUP 2024

The COMEUP 2024, held on December 11 and 12 at the COEX in Seoul, was a remarkable event organized by the Korea Startup Forum (KSF) under the leadership of president Sangwoo Han. This global festival for startups saw participation from around 260 companies across 45 countries, affirming its status as an international hub for innovation.

Diverse Participation and Networking

Among the attendees, over half were international startups, showcasing the festival’s appeal to a global audience. National pavilions from countries like the UAE, India, Japan, and Sweden presented cutting-edge technologies, while approximately 120 startups from 21 nations, including Germany, Austria, Sweden, and South Africa, engaged in dynamic pitch sessions, exhibitions, and networking events. Notable organizations, including the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), were also present, amplifying the event's significance in fostering global collaborations.

Focus on Technological Trends

The themes explored at COMEUP 2024 revolved around global technological trends, particularly deep tech, inbound innovation, and sustainable innovation strategies. Day one featured inspiring talks on cross-border innovation, with meaningful contributions from leaders like Qamar Aftab of Wa’ed Ventures and Sunghyun Park of Rebellions. The second day spotlighted SooJong Kim, CEO of INNOSPACE, who discussed the burgeoning opportunities within the space industry, drawing significant interest from attendees eager to explore new frontiers in technology.

Rookie League and Innovation Recognition

One of the festival's highlights was the public pitching event called IR Startup Valley, where companies competed to win recognition in the Rookie League. The winners, Toonimotion, Foretell My Health, and POSCORE, earned spots to showcase their innovations at Viva Technology 2025 in France. Other notable finalists included CUBIG, ZETIC.ai, and Tublet Korea, recognized for their advancements in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, which were pivotal in setting the stage for future innovations.

Fostering Open Innovation

The Open Innovation Ground at COMEUP 2024 facilitated collaborative discussions between startups and established corporations such as Microsoft, NVIDIA, Hyundai Motor, and Siemens. Tailored networking sessions provided insights into global expansion and funding, contributing to a record number of 1,900 successful business meetings on the platform, nearly doubling the previous year’s figures.

Recognition of Global Innovations

Particularly noteworthy was the inbound innovation segment, which highlighted international startups, such as AiMA Beyond AI from Spain. This company is carving a niche with its AI-driven humane digital solutions and generated considerable interest regarding its market entry strategies in Korea.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

In a closing statement, Sangwoo Han emphasized the significance of COMEUP 2024 as a global festival where startups and investors unite to push the boundaries of innovation and shape future possibilities. The KSF remains committed to supporting startups in facing new challenges and reaching global success.

Highlights and replays from the event can be accessed on its official YouTube channel, providing an invaluable resource for those who missed this incredible gathering of minds and innovations.



Through events like COMEUP 2024, the spirit of innovation continues to thrive, establishing platforms for collaboration and the sharing of ideas necessary for evolving industries and empowering future entrepreneurs.