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Eleven AI-based K-startups have sought technology and investment cooperation with global companies, including those in Japan, at Asia's largest open innovation event.

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA, President Kang Kyung-sung) announced that it is participating in the ‘Innovation Leaders Summit 2025 (ILS)’ held in Tokyo for a week starting December 1.

ILS, sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), is Asia's largest open innovation event. This year, 757 startups from 30 countries and over 100 large companies considering collaborations are participating. The event will feature more than 3,000 consultations and pitching sessions over the week.

Eleven K-startups will also explore opportunities for technology and investment collaboration with global companies such as those in Japan. On December 3, KOTRA will host a ‘K-Innovation Startup Pitching Day,’ where innovative startups like StudioLab (AI image auto-generation), DriveTech (logistics autonomous robots), and GeneStory (genetic analysis edtech) will pitch their ideas. Afterward, 1:1 technology and investment consultations will be arranged with large Japanese companies, including Panasonic, NTT Docomo, SBI Investment, and Sony Network Communications.

A participant from APPOSTER, a developer of smart wearable rings, expressed, "By participating in Japan’s open innovation, we aim to both enhance our technology and diversify our sales channels. As we were also selected as one of the 'Top 100' startups out of 757 participating startups, we have had the opportunity to discuss collaboration with several large companies," showing high expectations.

Park Yong-min, Head of KOTRA's Japan Regional Headquarters, stated, “If our startups' AI and digital applications are joined by the competitive strengths of Japan’s small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises, it can significantly enhance manufacturing competitiveness. In addition to commercializing the collaboration demands identified in this event, we will continue to work towards expanding future technology and investment collaboration opportunities between K-startups and Japanese large companies.”



Source : Invest KOREA (2025.12.03.)