K-GovTech Roadshow 2024: A Resounding Success in Driving Korea-Japan Tech Innovation and Collaboration – ngopihangat

Seven trailblazing Korean startups, selected by the Korea Software Industry Association (KOSA), took center stage at the K-GovTech Roadshow on October 22, 2024, hosted at Shibuya Soil, Tokyo. This two-day event, designed as a precursor to Japan IT Week  (October 23-25, 2024), successfully connected Korea’s most innovative startups with key Japanese investors, corporate leaders, and other stakeholders, fostering collaboration and paving the way for long-term partnerships.

Strengthening Korea-Japan Tech Collaboration

The K-GovTech Roadshow 2024 underscored its role as a catalyst for deeper ties between Korea and Japan in the GovTech and broader tech ecosystems. Over 37 high-value business meetings took place, where Korean startups showcased their revolutionary technologies, explored investment opportunities, and navigated pathways into the Japanese market.

Key program highlights included:

• Exclusive Buyer & Investor Meetings: Participating startups engaged directly with Japanese investors and buyers to explore funding and collaboration opportunities.
• Networking Opportunities: A platform for high-level exchanges between startups, Japanese corporates, and government representatives to promote mutual growth.

Program Details

Event Schedule:

• 10:00–10:30: Morning Session Opening
• 10:30–12:30: Business Meetup (4 sessions, 30 mins each)
• 12:30–13:30: Lunch Break
• 13:30–14:00: Afternoon Session Opening
• 14:00–16:00: Business Meetup (4 sessions, 30 mins each)

Key Highlights:

• Attended Investors & Buyers:

1. Satoshi Noda, CEO of Appsule
2. Jonathan Hwaseong Jeon, CEO of CNT Tech
3. Yuta Suwa, CEO of Cory
4. SeokJong Kim, KDB NextONE Team leader of KDB Bank
5. Raymond Wu, AI/ML Designer from Nagoya University
6. Ricky Kim, CEO of NEXFI
7. Kan Notoya, Founder/CEO of Novel Journey
8. Takashi Yamamoto, CAO of Plus Zero
9. Tomonori Yoshimura, Venture Capitalist from SBI Investment
10. Ryosuke Tanatsugu, Consultant from Sourcing Brothers
11. Takashi Kato, Managing Partner of TeeEs
12. Mayumi Shinya, Country Manager of Voithru Japan

• Meetings Held: 37 successful B2B sessions conducted.

Pioneering Korean Startups at the Forefront

The following seven startups represented the cutting edge of Korean innovation at the K-GovTech Pavilion:

1. emCT Co., Ltd.: Redefining facility management with IoT-based solutions, emCT’s AIoT technology offers real-time monitoring and remote control, deployed in over 600 locations.
2. LBS Tech: Enhancing urban accessibility, their social mapping platform provides real-time data on accessible routes, particularly benefiting individuals with disabilities.
3. NEWNOP: An AI-powered leader in construction technology, specializing in ground subsidence predictions and safety enhancements for large-scale projects.
4. ANNA Inc.: Delivering AI-driven software verification tools, ensuring technical integrity and disaster safety compliance.
5. DABLE: Addressing reproductive healthcare with their AI-powered D-Planet platform, which improves infertility treatment success rates.
6. MEDIAIPLUS: Simplifying clinical trial processes with big data-driven tools that improve the efficiency of trial management.
7. Lumos: Offering SaaS-based R&D expense management solutions, automating documentation workflows to enhance innovation.

Comprehensive Program & Follow-Up Sessions

The roadshow followed a structured agenda, including eight dedicated business meetings per startup over two sessions, complemented by networking breaks. Looking ahead, follow-up online mentoring sessions have been scheduled:

1. NEWNOP with Zak Murase (AZCA, Inc.) — November 19, 2024.
2. Lumos with Amanda Umezono (W Inc.) — November 20, 2024.
3. DABLE with Ikuo Hiraishi (DreamVision Inc.) — November 24, 2024.

Stepping into Japan IT Week 2024

With a strong foundation laid during the roadshow, these startups captivated the broader audience at Japan IT Week. Positioned in the K-GovTech Pavilion, they aim to extend their reach, secure new business opportunities, and establish a strong foothold in the Japanese market.

The K-GovTech Startup Support Program continues its commitment to fostering innovation and facilitating international market access for Korean startups. By connecting promising companies with global opportunities, K-GovTech not only enhances Korea’s digital government vision but also empowers startups to lead in technological advancements.

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