(Source: NextRise 2025 Official Website)
By Aubrey Kim, New York Correspondent
AI Unicorns and Global Giants to Gather Under One Roof
NextRise 2025, Asia’s largest startup festival jointly hosted by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) and Korea Development Bank (KDB), will be held at COEX in Seoul on June 26–27. Now in its seventh year, the event is expected to be the biggest yet, drawing over 1,600 startups and 250 major global and Korean corporations and investors. The event will feature exhibitions, one-on-one meetups, conferences, and investor pitching sessions, offering a dynamic platform for innovation and global business collaboration.
AI Unicorns in the Spotlight as Global Tech Trends Take Center Stage
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to dominate this year’s agenda. Notable global AI unicorns including Rebellions (Korea’s first AI semiconductor unicorn), Anthropic (a generative AI leader), and Perplexity (an AI-powered search challenger) will participate, seeking opportunities for collaboration and technological exchange.
Rebellions, Korea’s Answer to NVIDIA in the AI Chip Race
Founded in 2020, Rebellions is a fabless AI semiconductor startup that became Korea’s first AI chip unicorn following its 2024 merger with SK Group’s Sapeon Korea, earning a valuation of 1.3 trillion KRW. Leveraging proprietary technology, Rebellions is positioning itself as a strong contender in a market long dominated by NVIDIA. The company is gaining attention for partnerships with Korean tech giants Samsung Electronics and SK hynix and is aggressively expanding overseas with products like the ION AI chip and the 5nm process-based ATOM.
Anthropic, Global Leader in Generative AI
Anthropic, based in Silicon Valley, has quickly established itself as a global leader in generative AI. Backed by a strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and large-scale investments, the company has developed the Claude series of custom AI models and tools like Claude Code for coding support. Anthropic also emphasizes ethical AI design and reliability, cementing its role in shaping responsible AI use.
Perplexity, AI Search Innovator Taking on Google
Founded in 2022 by former OpenAI engineers, U.S.-based Perplexity has become a unicorn in just 21 months. By blending generative AI with its own search engine technology, the company offers a radically new user experience and has surpassed one million monthly active users. Supported by investors such as Amazon, NVIDIA, Samsung, and SK Telecom, Perplexity is expanding into Korea and aims to redefine online search with a focus on accuracy, real-time results, and transparency.
Over 250 Global Corporations and Investors to Explore Future Industries
NextRise 2025 will feature participation from global mobility leaders like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Renault, as well as consumer goods giants like L’Oréal and P&G—many of them Fortune 500 companies—seeking to adopt new technologies and discover next-generation business opportunities through startup partnerships. BMW will showcase its “Startup Garage” collaboration program, while global manufacturing and energy firms such as Airbus and Tata Steel will engage in discussions around climate tech, carbon reduction, and sustainable business strategies.
Climate Tech and Sustainability Also in the Spotlight
Alongside AI, climate tech will be a major theme at this year’s event. Sean O’Sullivan, founder of global VC firm SOSV, will speak at the conference to discuss sustainability technology and investment trends. Companies like Airbus and Tata Steel will present their carbon-reduction strategies and engage in one-on-one meetings with startups to explore collaboration and investment opportunities.
Full Program: Exhibitions, Meetups, Conferences, and IR Pitching
NextRise 2025 presents a diverse and dynamic program aimed at fostering meaningful partnerships and expanding business networks. The event will feature booth exhibitions where over 500 startups and global companies will display their latest technologies and innovative services. In the 1:1 meetups, more than 3,500 business matchmaking sessions are scheduled, offering startups, corporates, and investors direct opportunities for collaboration and investment discussions.
The conference segment will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, and open innovation concerts, covering a range of forward-looking topics such as artificial intelligence, climate tech, and global business trends. Additionally, the IR pitching program will give startup founders the stage to present their business models directly to domestic and international investors, aiming to attract crucial funding and strategic partnerships.
Expanding Global Networks: A Launchpad for Korean Startups
Since its inception in 2019, NextRise has grown in scale and influence, playing a vital role in the globalization and acceleration of Korea’s startup ecosystem. In 2024, over 20,000 attendees participated, with 373 startups forming business partnerships and 102 raising a total of 400 billion KRW in funding. This year’s event is poised to become an even more powerful platform for Korean startups to expand their global networks and reach international markets.
Lee Myung-ja, Director of Global Marketing at KITA, remarked, “With a record number of global corporations and institutions participating this year, NextRise 2025 presents an excellent opportunity for Korean startups to expand their global reach. We hope it becomes a meaningful space for global innovation leaders to come together to discuss cooperation and transformation.”
Germany Named Country of Honor; Delegation to Visit Korea
Germany has been selected as the Country of Honor for NextRise 2025. A delegation led by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), along with startup support organizations and 20 promising startups, will visit Korea, paving the way for deeper bilateral cooperation in the startup ecosystem.
Visitor Information and Registration
Visitor registration for NextRise 2025 is open until June 25 via the official website. Admission is free, and the event will run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM over the two days.
Conclusion
With a focus on AI innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration, NextRise 2025 is solidifying its status as Asia’s largest startup festival. Bringing together top startups, global corporations, investors, and experts, the event offers a unique opportunity to explore future industry trends and forge meaningful partnerships. For those eager to witness the forefront of innovation, NextRise 2025 is a must-attend business event.
Copyright © The Value Chain Times. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, and use for AI training are strictly prohibited.
[The Value Chain Times = Aubrey Kim, New York Correspondent]
(Source: NextRise 2025 Official Website)
By Aubrey Kim, New York Correspondent
AI Unicorns and Global Giants to Gather Under One Roof
NextRise 2025, Asia’s largest startup festival jointly hosted by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) and Korea Development Bank (KDB), will be held at COEX in Seoul on June 26–27. Now in its seventh year, the event is expected to be the biggest yet, drawing over 1,600 startups and 250 major global and Korean corporations and investors. The event will feature exhibitions, one-on-one meetups, conferences, and investor pitching sessions, offering a dynamic platform for innovation and global business collaboration.
AI Unicorns in the Spotlight as Global Tech Trends Take Center Stage
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to dominate this year’s agenda. Notable global AI unicorns including Rebellions (Korea’s first AI semiconductor unicorn), Anthropic (a generative AI leader), and Perplexity (an AI-powered search challenger) will participate, seeking opportunities for collaboration and technological exchange.
Rebellions, Korea’s Answer to NVIDIA in the AI Chip Race
Founded in 2020, Rebellions is a fabless AI semiconductor startup that became Korea’s first AI chip unicorn following its 2024 merger with SK Group’s Sapeon Korea, earning a valuation of 1.3 trillion KRW. Leveraging proprietary technology, Rebellions is positioning itself as a strong contender in a market long dominated by NVIDIA. The company is gaining attention for partnerships with Korean tech giants Samsung Electronics and SK hynix and is aggressively expanding overseas with products like the ION AI chip and the 5nm process-based ATOM.
Anthropic, Global Leader in Generative AI
Anthropic, based in Silicon Valley, has quickly established itself as a global leader in generative AI. Backed by a strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and large-scale investments, the company has developed the Claude series of custom AI models and tools like Claude Code for coding support. Anthropic also emphasizes ethical AI design and reliability, cementing its role in shaping responsible AI use.
Perplexity, AI Search Innovator Taking on Google
Founded in 2022 by former OpenAI engineers, U.S.-based Perplexity has become a unicorn in just 21 months. By blending generative AI with its own search engine technology, the company offers a radically new user experience and has surpassed one million monthly active users. Supported by investors such as Amazon, NVIDIA, Samsung, and SK Telecom, Perplexity is expanding into Korea and aims to redefine online search with a focus on accuracy, real-time results, and transparency.
Over 250 Global Corporations and Investors to Explore Future Industries
NextRise 2025 will feature participation from global mobility leaders like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Renault, as well as consumer goods giants like L’Oréal and P&G—many of them Fortune 500 companies—seeking to adopt new technologies and discover next-generation business opportunities through startup partnerships. BMW will showcase its “Startup Garage” collaboration program, while global manufacturing and energy firms such as Airbus and Tata Steel will engage in discussions around climate tech, carbon reduction, and sustainable business strategies.
Climate Tech and Sustainability Also in the Spotlight
Alongside AI, climate tech will be a major theme at this year’s event. Sean O’Sullivan, founder of global VC firm SOSV, will speak at the conference to discuss sustainability technology and investment trends. Companies like Airbus and Tata Steel will present their carbon-reduction strategies and engage in one-on-one meetings with startups to explore collaboration and investment opportunities.
Full Program: Exhibitions, Meetups, Conferences, and IR Pitching
NextRise 2025 presents a diverse and dynamic program aimed at fostering meaningful partnerships and expanding business networks. The event will feature booth exhibitions where over 500 startups and global companies will display their latest technologies and innovative services. In the 1:1 meetups, more than 3,500 business matchmaking sessions are scheduled, offering startups, corporates, and investors direct opportunities for collaboration and investment discussions.
The conference segment will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, and open innovation concerts, covering a range of forward-looking topics such as artificial intelligence, climate tech, and global business trends. Additionally, the IR pitching program will give startup founders the stage to present their business models directly to domestic and international investors, aiming to attract crucial funding and strategic partnerships.
Expanding Global Networks: A Launchpad for Korean Startups
Since its inception in 2019, NextRise has grown in scale and influence, playing a vital role in the globalization and acceleration of Korea’s startup ecosystem. In 2024, over 20,000 attendees participated, with 373 startups forming business partnerships and 102 raising a total of 400 billion KRW in funding. This year’s event is poised to become an even more powerful platform for Korean startups to expand their global networks and reach international markets.
Lee Myung-ja, Director of Global Marketing at KITA, remarked, “With a record number of global corporations and institutions participating this year, NextRise 2025 presents an excellent opportunity for Korean startups to expand their global reach. We hope it becomes a meaningful space for global innovation leaders to come together to discuss cooperation and transformation.”
Germany Named Country of Honor; Delegation to Visit Korea
Germany has been selected as the Country of Honor for NextRise 2025. A delegation led by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), along with startup support organizations and 20 promising startups, will visit Korea, paving the way for deeper bilateral cooperation in the startup ecosystem.
Visitor Information and Registration
Visitor registration for NextRise 2025 is open until June 25 via the official website. Admission is free, and the event will run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM over the two days.
Conclusion
With a focus on AI innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration, NextRise 2025 is solidifying its status as Asia’s largest startup festival. Bringing together top startups, global corporations, investors, and experts, the event offers a unique opportunity to explore future industry trends and forge meaningful partnerships. For those eager to witness the forefront of innovation, NextRise 2025 is a must-attend business event.
Copyright © The Value Chain Times. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, and use for AI training are strictly prohibited.
[The Value Chain Times = Aubrey Kim, New York Correspondent]