Seoul is set to host the annual global startup festival COMEUP 2024 on December 11 and 12 at COEX in Gangnam. Organized by the Korea Startup Forum, (KSF), this year’s event promises to delve into the themes of global collaboration, deep technology, and sustainable innovation. With a diverse lineup of sessions and speakers, ‘COMEUP aims to cater to participants across the startup ecosystem, from budding entrepreneurs to seasoned professionals.

Keynote Highlights

COMEUP 2024 will provide a platform where insights from global figures can be shared under the keywords of global expansion, deep tech, and Sustainable Innovation by Startup (SIS). The conference program, “Future Talk” sessions are designed, considering attendee profiles

– Beginner Track (students, pre-entrepreneurs, general public)

– Expert Track (startup employees)

– Founder Track (entrepreneurs).

Additionally, the newly established “Tech Talk 15” track will showcase new technologies and products from notable domestic and international tech companies.

Expert Talks and Global Expansion Discussions

The conference will open on December 11 with a keynote discussion featuring Qamar Aftab, investment manager at Saudi Aramco’s Wa’ed Ventures, and Park Sung-hyun, CEO of Rebellion, a Korean semiconductor company that recently secured funding from Wa’ed Ventures. The session, titled “Innovation Beyond Borders,” will explore the investment journey and future opportunities.

On December 12, Kim Soo-jong, CEO of Innospace, will share insights into the space launch vehicle company’s contributions to the burgeoning K-Space era in a keynote titled “Challenge Toward Space, Launch Toward the Future.”

On December 11, Takeru Kawashima, General Director of Japan’s 01Booster, John Lim Jian Da, Partner at Singapore’s global accelerator Meet Ventures, and Kevin Kwon, Korea Country Manager of Singapore’s global expansion platform KILSA Global, will share global expansion experiences and cases for Asia-based companies

On December 12, Laurent Rains, Global Access Director at Alchemist Accelerator (USA), Shaun Noh, CFO of UK-based VC Goodthings, and Morgan Cha, Managing Director of FuturePlay, will share strategies and success know-how for startups targeting US and European markets.

Exploring Deep Tech and Generative AI

Deep tech will take center stage with discussions on emerging technologies, including generative AI and cybersecurity. Panels will feature innovators like Lee Jae-won, CEO of NXN Labs; Chu Yu-jin, a prominent concept artist; and Kim Jong-min, director at SM Entertainment, exploring the role of creators in the AI era.

Other sessions will highlight the entrepreneurial journeys of young founders in deep tech fields. Speakers include Andrew Lee, CEO of autonomous robot service company Neubility, Hyoyi Kim, CEO of femtech startup Inertia, and Insub Lee, CEO of AI-based edutech startup PREDICTION, will share their experiences as young entrepreneurs in deep tech.

Focus on Sustainability and Innovation

Sustainability will be another major focus, with discussions led by Guhwan Kim, CEO of Gridwiz, and Sangyeop Han, CEO of Sopoong Ventures. Their session will explore how startups can drive innovation to tackle climate change and build a sustainable future.

A new feature this year is the Tech Talk 15 track, where leading tech companies will present cutting-edge innovations. Confirmed participants include Seoul Robotics, Upstage, and Germany’s Variowell Development.

The event will also feature open innovation programs with major corporations and CVCs, a global community of international startups and support organizations, and partner-integrated programs like COMEUP X. Participants include international government agencies and companies such as Saudi Arabia’s Monsha’at, UAE Ministry of Economy, Swiss Embassy, Indian Embassy, Austrian Commercial Section, Dassault Systèmes, L’Oréal Korea, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Siemens, along with Korean Companies such as Hyundai Motor Company, Musinsa Partners, Ansys, NCSOFT, Korea Venture Capital Association, and the CVC Club, will contribute to the dialogue on innovation and cooperation.

Global Networking Opportunities

The event will also facilitate collaboration through its open innovation program and partner linkage platform, Come Up X. Major global players such as Microsoft, NVIDIA, Hyundai Motor Company, and Saudi Arabia’s Monsha’at, alongside representatives from embassies and trade organizations, will participate to foster cross-border partnerships.

How to Participate

COMEUP 2024 is open to anyone interested in the startup ecosystem. Participants can pre-register online or join on-site during the event.

This year’s edition underscores the growing significance of startups in addressing global challenges, driving technological advancements, and building a sustainable future through innovation.

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