The K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC) 2025 will hold its Demo Day on December 11, 2025, at the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center, where 20 Phase 3 teams will be announced, and the Top 8 will be selected through live pitching sessions.
This Demo Day marks the culmination of a multi-stage selection journey that began when global recruitment opened in April this year. After receiving more than 2,626 applications from 97 countries, 80 teams advanced to Phase 1 for online market exploration, followed by 40 teams entering Phase 2 for Korea market–entry acceleration.
The Demo Day now serves as the decisive stage at which the final 20 teams will be selected for Phase 3 and receive full-scale support for business growth and market entry in Korea.
The 40 startups taking the stage, spanning deep tech, AI, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, represent the strongest performers from this rigorous evaluation process. After months of acceleration, mentoring, and market validation, these finalists will present their business models and Korea-entry strategies to investors and industry leaders.
“The teams reaching Demo Day have undergone months of preparation and validation,” said Paul Kwon, Global Business Team Lead at GCCEI. “They’ve proven not only technological innovation but also a strong understanding of the Korean market. This event connects them directly with the investors and partners who can accelerate their growth,” added Kwon.
Demo Day Held Within COMEUP 2025
Hosting Demo Day within COMEUP 2025, held December 10–12 at COEX and themed “Recode the Future”, ensures maximum visibility and engagement. The festival attracts thousands of attendees, including investors, corporate executives, and global media, turning each pitch into multiple collaboration opportunities. All KSGC startups also gain access to COMEUP’s conferences, exhibitions, and networking programs, amplifying their engagement with Korea’s innovation ecosystem.
Marking its 10th anniversary, the 2025 KSGC program features a redesigned hybrid structure and an expanded equity-free support package of up to ₩950 million (US$633,000), reinforcing Korea’s commitment to helping global founders enter and scale in Asia. Phase 3 teams will receive targeted guidance and resources to strengthen operations and accelerate customer acquisition in Korea.
The K-Startup Grand Challenge, hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), organized by the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED), and operated by the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (GCCEI), has supported more than 1,000 global startups and grown into Korea’s premier landing program for international founders.
It is now positioned as a leading platform for shaping the next generation of global innovators entering Asia. KSGC 2025 offers Demo Day founders a pivotal moment that signals not only the next step in their journey but the beginning of a long-term opportunity in Korea’s fast-growing technology market.
The 40 Finalist Startups at KSGC 2025 Demo Day (A–Z)
- Acurion – AI detecting genomic markers for precise, efficient cancer diagnosis
- ArbaLabs – Securing AI at the edge for aerospace & critical infrastructure with sovereign trusted tech
- AvoLabs – AI-driven B2B EdTech tools delivering personalized learning and automation
- BION – LEO™ Gluten Sensor helping manage gluten intolerance with simple food-allergy detection
- CyStack – Cybersecurity firm offering innovative, research-driven security solutions
- CMMC – Lightweight structural material combining aluminum and ceramic performance
- Digital Human Corporation – Human-centric AI with KAi, an empathetic digital companion for elderly support
- Edsy – AI English coach enhancing classrooms with personalized practice and tailored scaffolding
- Exoheal – Accessible, affordable hand-paralysis rehabilitation device
- Groundup.AI – AI asset management using sensors and agents to predict equipment failures early
- Hanjing Semi – Quartz and SiC semiconductor components with high-quality, reliable manufacturing
- IDOLL Robotics – Emotionally intelligent robot that sees, feels, and grows with users
- InsightMatches – AI SaaS platform automating and accelerating global research and innovation matching
- Konnect – Super-app for foreigners integrating search, bookings, payments, and verification
- Lasarkaali Life Sciences – Clinically proven dental nutrition products reducing pain and recovery time
- MaimHaim – AI geofencing that auto-activates location-based services at venues and facilities
- Markopolo AI – AI automation platform personalizing engagement via SMS, email, push, WhatsApp, and more
- Metroo – AI-powered cloud development studio with integrated hosting and deployment
- nanoCaps – CNT-based energy storage delivering extreme power, high density, and rapid response
- Niio – Platform turning any screen into a digital art canvas, streaming curated global art
- Oreyeon LDA – AI digital tools improving airport safety inspections and operational processes
- Parongpong RAW Lab – Converts residual waste into durable, lightweight, sustainable building materials
- Patientory – Web3 health platform enabling secure management and sharing of personal medical data
- Peris.ai – AI orchestration platform detecting and responding to cyber threats in real time
- Pierrot Company – IT device subscription and IT recovery service
- PIX FORCE – Computer vision transforming images into actionable insights for safer operations
- Predulive Labs – AI infrastructure analytics detecting defects and compliance issues in real time
- Prometheus MedTech.AI / UES – AI-powered UES tech enabling early diagnosis of congenital heart defects
- Protein Kapital – Sustainable alternative protein & bio-fertilizer produced using insects and food waste
- RedMimicry – Safe malware simulation platform for enterprise cybersecurity training
- RIFFAI – AI sensing technology monitoring environmental changes and pollution
- Shanghai Yixiao Information Technology – AI agent enabling enterprise apps to execute via natural language
- Smart Contract – Automated smart contract workflows simplify document and identity processes
- TaggIoT – Smart Tag IoT sensors and analytics improving safety and efficiency in shipping
- 3TGDS – Travel Trust Tickets enabling instant redemption across global travel & lifestyle services
- Trust Stamp – AI identity technologies reducing fraud while protecting privacy
- Umami Bioworks – AI-powered biotech platform creating next-generation marine ingredients and seafood
- Vyuhaa Med Data – AI-native modular diagnostics lab enabling early cancer detection in rural communities
- Veritas Vietnam – Turns agricultural waste into carbon-negative pallets, replacing wood and plastic
- Workist – AI agent automating sales documents from inbox to ERP across formats and languages
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