NextRise 2025: Seoul Hosts 1,100 AI Startups from 28 Countries
Seoul, South Korea - NextRise 2025 opened on Thursday at COEX in Seoul, with 1,100 startups from 28 countries and 250 large enterprises participating in the two-day exhibition.
The event is scheduled to facilitate 3,600 business consultations.
The exhibition, now in its seventh year, is organized by the Korea Development Bank and the Korea International Trade Association in conjunction with the National Research Council of Science and Technology, the Korea Venture Business Association, and the Korea Venture Capital Association.
Germany serves as the guest country.
Kim Bok-gyu, senior deputy president of Korea Development Bank, stated that the event aims to foster business cooperation and investment opportunities while facilitating the sharing of ideas across the startup ecosystem.
AI technology companies comprise a significant portion of participants.
XLate provides real-time interpretation subtitles for conference sessions through its EventCat solution.
Generative AI company 42Maru has arranged meetings with over 20 companies to present its LLM42 language model and enterprise AI agents.
Featuring presents its social media data engine, while Dalpha conducts AI consulting sessions for startups.
Logistics company Colosseum demonstrates its COLO AI software with implementation data from its Los Angeles center.
DeepInsight showcases its Dimenview Pro 3D sensing solution, which has been recognized with a CES 2025 Innovation Award.
LG operates a booth through its SuperStart platform, featuring eight startups, including AimIntelligence, Found Objects, and SecoreRobotics.
LG Electronics' North American innovation center, LG NOVA, participates separately.
Korea Creative Content Agency operates the Korea Content Pavilion, supporting ten content startups that integrate AI, virtual reality, computer graphics, and visual effects technologies.
Germany's delegation comprises 47 participants, including government representatives, public institutions, and 21 startups.
Mercedes-Benz and BMW are scheduled to discuss cooperation with domestic companies through the German national pavilion, which hosts forums and demonstrations.
Representatives from France's Viva Technology, Germany's IFA, and Spain's Mobile World Congress attend to engage with approximately 100 startups to coordinate global venture platforms.
Three conference stages feature presentations by experts in AI, mobility, and aerospace.
Three pitching stages accommodate presentations from approximately 130 startups, as well as reverse pitching sessions where large companies propose business cooperation to startups.
The NextRise Awards received 702 applications, with 30 companies selected, representing a 23-to-1 competition ratio.
Yoon Jin-sik, chairman of the Korea International Trade Association, described the event as facilitating connections between technology and industry during the development of AI, deep technology, and green transformation.
The exhibition concludes on Friday.