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NextRise 2025 in Seoul: A Gateway to Innovation

NextRise 2025, a premier innovation fair, is set to take place on June 26-27, 2025, at COEX, Seoul. This event stands as Asia's leading platform for startups and corporates, showcasing the latest technology trends and offering unparalleled opportunities for business growth and collaboration.

Co-hosted by the Korea Development Bank (KDB) and the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the event expects over 500 startups and 250 global corporations to converge. Last year's event was a resounding success, with numerous startups forming key partnerships and attracting significant investments. Indeed, 373 startups established business relationships, and 102 of them collectively raised around KRW 400 billion (approximately USD 300 million).

This year's NextRise will accentuate areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, and Mobility, ensuring that participating startups are connected to tech scouts from various Fortune 500 companies. Moreover, the event will feature a dedicated Startup Germany Pavilion, as Germany has been chosen as the Country of Honor for 2025. The event will also highlight partnerships with major platforms such as IFA Berlin and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany.

In addition to local participation, international innovation events from JETRO (Japan) and VivaTech (France) will also be included, showcasing the vast global reach and interest in contributing to NextRise's dynamic ecosystem.

Participating startups will have the chance to engage in business meetings with industry giants such as LG Chem, Hyundai Motor, Amazon AWS, Airbus, and BMW. The deadline for startup applications is May 12, 2025, and interested parties can apply via the official event website.

An official from KITA emphasized the importance of the platform, stating, “NextRise is Asia's most vibrant platform where startups can directly collaborate with Korean conglomerates and uncover new investment opportunities.” This sentiment is echoed by a German startup CEO who attended last year's event, noting how it positively impacted their operations in Seoul, solidifying their network and leading to the development of a new Minimal Viable Product (MVP).

For startups targeting global markets and innovation agencies looking for proof-of-concept and market validation in Asia, NextRise 2025 presents an essential opportunity. The event not only offers immediate prospects for partnership but also paves the way for ongoing engagement through its support platform for establishing operations in Korea.

If you are an entrepreneur or an investor eager to explore the vibrant startup ecosystem in Asia, don't miss your chance to be a part of NextRise 2025. With its emphasis on growth, innovation, and collaboration, this event is bound to be a game-changer in the global startup landscape. Not only will the event facilitate networking and investment opportunities, but it will also foster an environment conducive to the flourishing of new ideas and solutions in the tech industry.

In conclusion, as the leading innovation fair in Asia, NextRise 2025 in Seoul is more than just an event; it's a movement towards a cooperative future between startups and established companies—a must-attend for anyone involved in the global innovation space.