South Korea has been named a Global Innovation Champion at CES 2025, the world’s largest consumer electronics and ICT exhibition, cementing its position as a global leader in technological advancement. This recognition elevates South Korea into the top-tier Innovation Champions category in the annual evaluation by the U.S.-based Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the organizer of CES. Previously ranked as an Innovation Leader, South Korea now joins the ranks of nations like the U.S., U.K., Japan, France, and Germany.

Recognized for Excellence Across 15 Categories

South Korea’s ascension to this elite group reflects its exceptional performance across 15 categories, including:

• Encouragement of global tech trade
• Facilitation of cross-border data flow
• Startup and small business friendliness
• Pro-innovation legal frameworks
• Digital transparency

Largest K-Startup Pavilion in CES History

The K-Startup Pavilion, organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), made history at CES 2025 with the largest-ever integrated Korean presence. Located at Eureka Park—a venue dedicated exclusively to startups—the pavilion hosted 127 startups, a significant increase from the 91 startups featured in 2024. The initiative also involved 30 domestic support organizations, including public institutions, local governments, universities, and major corporations, demonstrating a unified effort to promote Korean innovation.

Record-Breaking Achievements

At CES 2025, Korean companies achieved unprecedented success:

• 210 CES Innovation Awards were won by Korean companies, including 130 awards for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups. This represents approximately 61.9% of all awards received by Korean entities.
• Three Best of Innovation Awards were claimed by Korean startups:
  • SierraBase (Smart City sector)
  • GhostPass (Fintech sector)
  • Suprema AI (Embedded Technology sector)

These awards recognize the most groundbreaking technologies and products in their respective categories.

Strategic Support and Collaboration

Key highlights of Korea’s participation include:

• POSCO’s Role: The steelmaker managed a dedicated booth, supported startups, and ran a venture investment program.
• Stage Programs: The pavilion hosted events such as K-Startup IR Pitching, local VC seminars, and the Global Startup Summit to connect Korean startups with international investors and partners.
• Recognition for KISED: The Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development, which managed the pavilion, received an award from the Nevada Lieutenant Governor for fostering U.S.-Korea startup exchanges.

A Vision for Global Leadership

Twelve startups from the pavilion received 13 Innovation Awards, showcasing the diversity and strength of Korean entrepreneurship. Among them, SierraBase’s CEO, Kim Song-hyun, commented: “Winning the CES 2025 Best of Innovation Award recognizes our technological capabilities and potential for global market expansion. We aim to extend our technology globally to achieve sustainable infrastructure safety.”

Minister of SMEs and Startups, Oh Youngju, highlighted the significance of CES as a platform for global recognition. “We aim to promote K-Startup brands worldwide and actively support our innovative companies in demonstrating their technical prowess, creating new business opportunities in the global market,” she said.

Samsung Electronics and Its C-Lab Innovations

Samsung Electronics played a pivotal role in showcasing Korean innovation. At CES 2025, it unveiled 15 innovative projects from its C-Lab program, including 12 startups from C-Lab Outside, two projects from C-Lab Inside, and one spin-off startup. These projects spanned AI, IoT, digital health, and robotics. Among them, GhostPass, an AI-driven authentication tool, won the CES Best of Innovation Award, demonstrating Samsung’s ongoing commitment to fostering groundbreaking technologies.

Hyundai Motor Group and ZERO1NE

Hyundai Motor Group also highlighted its contributions to Korea’s CES success by showcasing 10 cutting-edge startups at its ZERO1NE booth. Among these, CES 2025 Innovation Award winners Tesollo Inc. and DEEP IN SIGHT Co. stood out. Tesollo presented its DG-5F robotic hand, capable of advanced factory automation, while DEEP IN SIGHT showcased its DIMENVUE Pro 3D spatial data scanner, which combines AI image processing and LiDAR technology. These startups, nurtured through Hyundai’s open innovation initiatives, reflect the group’s dedication to advancing mobility, AI, robotics, and ESG.

With its record-breaking achievements and largest-ever K-Startup Pavilion, South Korea’s participation in CES 2025 underscores its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and global leadership. By leveraging CES as a platform, Korea is paving the way for its startups and SMEs to thrive on the international stage.

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