Korean innovation-focused SMEs and startups are setting their sights on North America’s fast-evolving tech frontier. Backed by Korea Venture Business Association (KOVA) and Canada’s leading innovation hubs, the Tech Service K-Innovation Mission not only offers market access but also delivers a sustained bridge for commercialization, investment, and scale in AI, deep tech, and next-generation mobility solutions.
Korea Venture Business Association Launches North American Market Entry Program
The Korea Venture Business Association (KOVA) has opened applications for its Tech Service K-Innovation Mission to North America, a program designed to help promising small and medium-sized venture companies, including innovation-driven Korean startups, secure commercialization and investment opportunities in the Canadian and broader North American markets.
High-Potential Sectors Driving Tech Service K-Innovation Mission: AI, ESS, Mobility, Smart Cities, and Deep Tech
Launched in partnership with leading Canadian government and private innovation organizations, Tech Service K-Innovation Mission will select 20 competitive companies across five high-growth technology sectors:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
- Mobility
- Smart Cities
- Deep Tech
These sectors represent Korea’s core innovation capabilities and match areas of rising demand in the North American market. By targeting industries with the highest potential for global market impact and cross-border commercialization, the mission aims to position participants as competitive players in the international tech ecosystem.
A representative from Korea Venture Business Association (KOVA) stated,
“This project is a chance for participating companies to establish a strong foundation in Canada’s innovation ecosystem and secure global credibility. We aim to see these companies expand across North America, including the U.S. and Central and South America.”
Tech Service K-Innovation Mission: Strategic Canadian Partnerships for Market Validation and Investment
The program will be anchored in Canada, recognized as one of the world’s fastest-growing innovation hubs, and will connect Korean venture SMEs and startups with influential local partners, including:
- MILA (Montreal Institute for Artificial Intelligence)
- Vector Institute (Toronto)
- Invest Windsor-Essex
- Andorix
- Invest Ontario
- Nemo Partners
Through these partnerships, participants will gain access to technology and market validation, customized feedback, joint project discovery, and direct investment linkage opportunities with Canadian and North American investors.
Business Development Opportunities at Canada’s Leading Innovation Events
The Tech Service K-Innovation Mission is designed to generate tangible results beyond a single market-entry trip.
Participating companies will:
- Showcase at the Elevate Festival, Canada’s largest startup and innovation conference held annually in Toronto.
- Engage in local institutional matching and one-on-one sales missions with potential partners.
- Present at investment briefings attended by investors across Canada and the U.S.
- Join networking events that connect them with the North American innovation community.
Pre-event support will also include presentation skills training, in-depth local market insights, and the production of joint promotional materials.
Post-Program Support via the North America K-Startup Investment Club
Following the mission, all participating companies will become members of the North America K-Startup Investment Club, granting them:
- Regular updates on Canadian and U.S. tech trends
- Structured post-program mentoring
- Continuous investor introductions
- Ongoing business matchmaking and legal/visa consulting
This ensures that the program is not a one-off event, but a sustained partnership for global scale-up.
Why Canada Is a Strategic Gateway for Korean Venture SMEs
Canada has emerged as a strategic launchpad for global tech expansion, offering world-class AI research institutes, competitive corporate tax rates, and access to both the U.S. and Latin American markets.
By establishing a presence in key hubs such as Toronto, Montreal, and Windsor-Essex, Korean innovation-focused SMEs and startups gain a foothold in markets that combine innovation capacity with international reach.
Tech Service K-Innovation Mission: Application Deadline and How to Join
Applications are open from July 23 to August 19, 2025, until 4 PM KST. Interested companies must apply via the Global Exhibition Portal by downloading and completing the application form, then uploading it online.
In addition to the portal submission, all applicants are required to send their IR presentation materials and company introduction via email to [email protected].
For inquiries, contact Lee Sae-byul, Manager, Corporate Support Division, Korea Venture Business Association (KOVA) at +82-2-6331-7083 or [email protected].
The Tech Service K-Innovation Mission reinforces Korea’s commitment to expanding its startup and innovation footprint beyond conventional markets, positioning North America as a critical growth frontier for deep tech, AI, and next-generation mobility solutions.
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