Seoul's Shocking Global Innovation Forum: Are You Ready to Miss the Next Billion-Dollar Startup?

In a remarkable display of global collaboration, the Seoul Business Agency (SBA), led by CEO Hyun Woo Kim, hosted the inaugural Global Innovation Forum on January 7, 2026, during the renowned Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. This event, which showcased a diverse array of startups from seven leading countries, aimed to connect and enhance the global startup ecosystem in a way that transcends traditional exhibition formats.

The Global Innovation Forum marked a significant evolution from last year's Seoul Innovation Forum, which was a pioneering effort involving five national pavilions at CES. The forum's rebranding underscores its broader goals of fostering international cooperation and introducing innovative startups to a larger audience. With a more robust program this year, the forum facilitated networking opportunities for startups, venture capitalists (VCs), media representatives, and support organizations from various nations.

As part of this initiative, a pitching competition was held, featuring outstanding startups selected from each participating country. This year’s judges included 20 global media representatives and six venture capital professionals, a notable expansion from the previous year which had limited judging to media only. This change has significantly enhanced the competition's credibility and investment potential for the participating companies.

The competition was a highlight of the event, allowing startups to pitch their innovative solutions and technologies. Among the competitors, Firsthabit from the Seoul Pavilion took home the Grand Award, which included a cash prize of $3,000. The Scale-up Award went to Hua Tech International from TTA (Taiwan), while the Impact Award was awarded to CubicSpace from the Quebec Government Office, with respective prizes of $2,000 and $1,000. In a statement, Firsthabit expressed surprise at their victory, emphasizing that they view this award as a significant stepping stone toward entering the U.S. market.

Even startups that did not win accolades found value in the forum, noting that it provided a unique opportunity to network with peers from various cultural and technological backgrounds. Participants exchanged insights and strategies, reinforcing their resolve to break into global markets.

A panel discussion followed the pitching competition, featuring representatives from all seven participating countries. They shared their respective startup support programs and engaged in discussions about the future of the global startup ecosystem. This collaborative approach aimed to leverage the expertise of organizations that have successfully showcased innovative startups at CES over the years.

Networking was a central theme of this year's forum. Participants engaged in lively conversations, discussing industry challenges and potential solutions. Startups expressed enthusiasm about forging connections with influential players in the startup landscape, hoping to utilize these contacts for future investments and market entries. Furthermore, the event offered startups a chance to deliver one-minute presentations about their innovations, further elevating their visibility among key stakeholders.

Hyun Woo Kim stated, "We hope the Global Innovation Forum will establish itself as a symbolic program representing cross-country cooperation and global startup exchange within CES." He emphasized a commitment to further develop the forum to become an essential event for all stakeholders in the startup ecosystem, including media, investors, and national pavilion representatives.

The Global Innovation Forum not only showcased innovative technologies but also highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration in the ever-evolving startup landscape. As global interest in startup ecosystems continues to grow, events like these pave the way for greater connectivity and opportunity among emerging entrepreneurs.