Seoul's CES 2025: A Landmark in Global Startup Collaboration and Innovation

In a significant move to foster international collaboration among startups, the Seoul Business Agency (SBA) held the inaugural cross-border startup pitching competition at CES 2025. This year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the largest technology exhibition in the world, took place from January 7 to January 10, 2025, in Las Vegas, attracting innovators from various sectors.

Under the leadership of CEO Hyun Woo Kim, the SBA created the largest Seoul Integrated Pavilion in the event’s history, occupying 1,040 square meters (11,194.5 square feet). This initiative saw participation from various sectors, including three district offices—Gangnam-gu, Gwanak-gu, and Geumcheon-gu—along with five startup support organizations and eight prominent universities in Seoul such as Konkuk University and Yonsei University.

The standout event of this year’s SBA initiative was the Seoul Innovation Forum. This program was particularly significant as it marked the first instance where startups from five different nations—Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Switzerland, and the Netherlands—came together in a collaborative effort. They presented their most innovative concepts in a cross-border pitching competition, reflecting a remarkable convergence of international entrepreneurial talent.

On January 8, the national delegations showcased their leading startups, contributing to the historic nature of this cross-border competition. Each nation's startups delivered compelling presentations to a global audience. The competition culminated in an intense showcase where Netherlands-based E-Magy B.V. clinched the top award—the Grand Winner, while Japan's BionicM and Korea's Apollon secured the First and Second Runner-Up titles, respectively.

The atmosphere during the competition was one of enthusiasm and collaboration. Participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to exchange ideas with peers from diverse cultural and technological backgrounds. This initiative not only strengthened ties among the startups but also reinforced their dedication to scaling their reach in the global marketplace.

Moreover, the cross-border pitching event addressed a critical issue at CES—shifting media focus onto innovative startups rather than exclusively major corporations. This strategic realignment helped build momentum for the startups, facilitating media exposure that is pivotal for visibility and future growth.

Following the pitches, there was a dedicated session for cross-country collaboration, where each participating nation outlined their startup support programs. This gathering served as a knowledge-sharing platform where insights about startup growth and development strategies were exchanged, fostering deeper collaborations.

The Seoul Innovation Forum was co-organized by several leading institutions, including JETRO from Japan, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, Swiss Tech, and Taiwan Tech Arena. The event saw participation from over 150 global media outlets, which underscores the event's prestige and pivotal role in the international startup ecosystem.

Hyun Woo Kim remarked on the success of the forum, stating, "The Seoul Innovation Forum has evolved beyond just a one-time event into a foundational platform for global startup networking at CES. We are committed to supporting the startups in realizing sustained success through ongoing initiatives post-CES."

The success of the cross-border startup pitching competition at CES 2025 not only spotlighted the innovative spirit of global startups but also heralded a new era of collaboration and synergy in fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem worldwide. As we look towards the future, such initiatives are likely to benefit startups across countries, enhancing their potential to become significant players in the global market.