Global Startup Collaboration Reaches New Heights at CES 2025 Seoul Innovation Forum

The Seoul Business Agency (SBA) has successfully established a pioneering multi-national startup collaboration platform at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, marking a significant milestone in international technology entrepreneurship. The inaugural Seoul Innovation Forum featured startups from South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, creating a unique competitive and networking environment.

During the event, participating startups engaged in an inter-country investor relations (IR) pitching competition, presenting their most promising technologies and business models to a global panel of media judges. E-Magy B.V. from the Netherlands emerged as the Grand Winner, with Japan's BionicM securing first runner-up status and South Korea's Apollon claiming second runner-up position.

Beyond the competition, the forum facilitated critical cross-border dialogue about startup support programs, enabling participating nations to share insights into innovation ecosystems and growth strategies. Represented by institutions like JETRO, Netherlands Enterprise Agency, SwissTech, and Taiwan Tech Arena, the event highlighted the potential for international collaboration in technological innovation.

SBA CEO Hyun Woo Kim emphasized the forum's transformative potential, noting that this was the first CES platform uniting national organizations and startups in a competitive yet collaborative showcase. Kim positioned the event as a bridge connecting global startup ecosystems and a catalyst for inspiration and networking.

The Seoul Innovation Forum represents a significant step toward creating more integrated, supportive environments for emerging technology companies. By providing a structured platform for international exposure, pitch opportunities, and potential partnerships, the initiative addresses critical challenges faced by startups seeking global market penetration.

Kim's commitment to continuing the forum beyond CES underscores the long-term vision of creating sustainable support mechanisms for innovative entrepreneurs. The event signals a growing recognition of collaborative approaches in addressing global technological challenges and supporting emerging business ecosystems.