The K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC) 2025 will host its Demo Day on December 11, 2025, at the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center. During the event, 20 Phase 3 teams will be announced, and the Top 8 will be selected through live pitching sessions.

This Demo Day represents the final stage of an extensive selection journey that began when global recruitment opened in April. The program attracted more than 2,626 applications from 97 countries. From there:

80 teams advanced to Phase 1 for online market exploration.
40 teams progressed to Phase 2 for Korea-focused acceleration.
20 teams will now be chosen for Phase 3, gaining deep, hands-on support for scaling in Korea.

Showcasing 40 High-Performing Startups

The 40 startups presenting on stage span deep tech, AI, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. They represent the highest performers from the program’s evaluation cycle. After months of acceleration, mentoring, and market testing, each finalist will pitch their business model and Korea-entry strategy 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.”

Demo Day will be part of COMEUP 2025

Demo Day will be held as part of COMEUP 2025, running December 10–12 at COEX, under the theme “Recode the Future.” The festival attracts thousands of investors, corporate leaders, and global media. This ensures strong visibility for KSGC founders and amplifies their opportunities for collaboration. Startups also gain access to COMEUP’s exhibitions, conferences, and networking platforms.

Marking its 10th anniversary, the 2025 KSGC program features a new hybrid structure and a significantly expanded equity-free support package of up to ₩950 million (US$633,000). Phase 3 teams will receive targeted guidance to strengthen operations, improve product-market fit, and accelerate customer acquisition in Korea.

Hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), organized by Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED), and operated by GCCEI, KSGC has supported more than 1,000 international startups over the past decade. It is now positioned as Korea’s top landing program for global founders looking to build a presence in Asia.

For Demo Day participants, this event marks more than the next step in the program. It signals the beginning of a long-term opportunity to scale in one of Asia’s fastest-growing technology markets.

KSGC 2025 Demo Day Finalists

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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