As a strategic move to accelerate Korean startup global expansion, the Venture Business Association (벤처기업협회) announced on August 7 that it is now recruiting participants for the Korea Pavilion at the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) 2025. The exhibition will be held from November 4 to 6 in Barcelona, Spain, and applications are open until August 14.
Korean Venture Association Supports Global Expansion of Smart City Innovators
SCEWC is recognized as the world’s largest smart city exhibition, serving as a premier platform for governments, corporations, and startups driving the next wave of smart city innovation in Europe and globally.
The 2025 event is expected to draw participants from 135 countries, representing over 850 cities and 860 global enterprises, alongside more than 150 side events dedicated to digital transformation, urban sustainability, mobility, and public-sector innovation.
The Korea Venture Business Association (KOVA), in collaboration with KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency), will organize a joint Korean Pavilion at the expo.
SCEWC 2025 Korea Pavilion to Feature Seven Korean Venture Startups
A total of seven Korean venture companies will be selected to participate, with substantial support provided to ease entry into the European market.
Selected companies will receive:
- 70% subsidy for booth participation and related costs
- One-way maritime shipping support (1 CBM)
- Pre-show marketing and local PR coordination
- On-site interpretation and buyer matchmaking assistance
These benefits are designed to position Korean companies effectively in front of international buyers, investors, and smart city stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
How Korean Smart City Startups Are Entering the European Market Through SCEWC 2025
The program targets Korean startups and venture firms preparing for European or global market entry in smart city–relevant sectors, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Data
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Green Energy and Environmental Tech
- Mobility and Autonomous Systems
- Architecture and Construction Tech
- Urban Security and Surveillance
- Smart Finance and Fintech
- Drone-based Services
“SCEWC is one of the fastest and most comprehensive ways to experience global trends in smart city innovation,” said an official from the association. “For Korean startups targeting Europe, this offers a rare and strategic market access opportunity.”
Past Success and Market Validation
Startups that participated in the 2024 edition of the expo reported high satisfaction, citing the platform’s ability to connect countries, industries, and innovation stakeholders across sectors.
With Europe’s growing demand for climate-resilient infrastructure, AI-integrated public services, and data-driven mobility solutions, the SCEWC provides Korean companies with a vital channel to demonstrate competitive advantages and secure pilot partnerships.
Strategic Outlook: Government-Led Globalization of Korean Startups
This initiative is part of a broader government-industry alignment to globalize Korea’s startup ecosystem, particularly in high-impact domains such as urban tech and digital transformation.
With support from KOTRA and public-private partners, programs like the SCEWC 2025 Pavilion play a catalytic role in positioning Korean innovation on the global stage.
As urban centers across Europe accelerate smart city deployment, Korean startups equipped with scalable, tech-driven solutions are increasingly being viewed as valuable collaborators in the next generation of digital infrastructure.
Applications are open to any Korean venture enterprise in above-related fields aiming to scale internationally. Interested companies can apply online via the Venture Business Association website or the SME Overseas Exhibition Portal, or make inquiries by contacting the Global Support Team of the Korea Venture Business Association (+82-2-6331-7089).
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