Korean Companies & Startups Shine at Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona

The Mobile World Congress 2024 (MWC 2024) in Barcelona, Spain, witnessed a remarkable display of innovation and technological prowess by Korean companies and startups, solidifying their presence as global leaders in the tech industry. The MWC 2024 showcased global giants like Huawei, Ericsson, Samsung Electronics, and Deutsche Telekom alongside a vibrant startup scene.

Amidst the bustling atmosphere, Korean companies and startups made a significant impact, underscoring their innovation and global ambitions. The ‘4YFN (4 Years from Now)’ zone, dedicated to startups, captured attention with its 800 mini-booths, where 64 South Korean startups showcased their technological prowess.

Supported by organizations such as the Korea Information & Communication Technology Industry Association (KICTA), SK Telecom, the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED), and the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the 64 startups actively targeted the global market with their refined ideas and technological prowess.

Vibrant Startup Scene

Korean startups showcased their technological prowess and won accolades and recognition. Pion showcased its technology, enabling online store operators to create 15-second lipstick video advertisements effortlessly. Emocog, a medical startup showcased its digital therapy device ‘Cogthera,’ targeting patients with mild cognitive impairment, eyeing the German market with MDR marking from CE.

Hudson AI presented AI-based dubbing services aiming at the European market, while AIRS Medical introduced software utilizing AI technology to reduce MRI scanning time, gaining interest globally. mpWAV, a developer of hearing aid apps, aimed for international expansion, recognized for innovation at CES.

Furthermore, South Korean care robot company Hyodol clinched the “Best Mobile Innovation for Connected Health and Wellbeing” award at MWC 2024. Hyodol’s doll-shaped robots, powered by ChatGPT, engage in verbal conversation with elderly companions, offering reminders and alerts to ensure their wellbeing.

Korean Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Foundation for Cooperation of Large, Medium, and Small Enterprises (KF) operated a joint exhibition booth alongside SK Telecom (SKT) and KT Corp to help promote the overseas expansion of 20 Korean SMEs. The Ministry of SMEs & Startups supported the operation of booths for ten highly globally competitive small startups, offering assistance with booth management, creating English promotional materials, buyer meetings, etc.

Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships

Additionally, Korean corporations like SK Telecom (SKT) and KT Corp. showcased their commitment to innovation through strategic partnerships and collaborations. SKT operated the ‘SKT-Startup Collaboration Pavilion,’ featuring seven startups engaged in collaboration projects, supported by initiatives from the South Korean Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Foundation for Cooperation of Large, Medium, and Small Enterprises (KF). Tuat presented the Sullivan Finder, an AI-based visual assistance voice guidance service enabling visually impaired individuals to perceive their surroundings accurately.

KT Corp. participated alongside five partner companies, aiming to expand export marketing activities and overseas channels. The company set up the KT Partners Pavilion, providing independent exhibition spaces for five partner startups with core AI, mobility, media, and energy technologies, including Quanda, Superb AI, Mobiflare, Marsis, and CNU Global.

The Mobile World Congress is a premier platform for companies to unveil cutting-edge technologies and forge strategic alliances. As Korean companies and startups continue to shine on this international stage, they play a pivotal role in driving innovation and shaping the future of technology worldwide.

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