Konnect, a startup from India, won the 2025 K-Startup Grand Challenge(KSGC) Final Demo Day, receiving KRW 100 million in prize money. The final demo day was held at COMEUP, Korea’s signature startup conference.
The K-Startup Grand Challenge, launched in 2016, is the largest global startup competition in Korea. Companies selected for the program are provided with support for exploring the Korean market and settling domestically. The number of applications in 2025 reached record levels this year. A total of 2,626 teams from 97 countries applied to take part – up sharply from 1,705 applications in 2024 – marking the highest level of participation since the competition began. This represents more than 1.5 times the 2024 figure, resulting in a competition ratio of 32.8 to 1 based on the selection of 80 teams.
The Demo Day marked the final round of the competition. Eight finalist teams presented their technologies and business strategies on stage, with rankings determined through live evaluation by a panel of judges that included domestic and international venture capital investors.
The top prize was awarded to Konnect, a startup from India, which received KRW 100 million in prize money. Konnect is developing a data-driven authentication and payment platform designed to address the identity verification and payment challenges commonly faced by foreign residents in Korea.
The top prize was awarded to Konnect, a startup from India, which received KRW 100 million in prize money. Konnect is developing a data-driven authentication and payment platform designed to address the identity verification and payment challenges commonly faced by foreign residents in Korea. Second place went to MaimHaim, a U.S.-based startup that received KRW 70 million. The company offers a next-generation unmanned operations solution that enables automated check-in and check-out and contactless payments. Its technology combines IMU sensor fusion nodes, a zero-UI interface and encrypted token-based systems. The third prize, worth KRW 50 million, was awarded to Pierrot Company from Canada. The startup is building a global IT asset circulation platform that collects idle IT devices worldwide and reallocates them to markets where demand is strongest, using data-driven analysis.
Beyond the awards, the Demo Day also marked the start of the next phase for participating teams. The top 20 startups, including all prize winners, will receive an additional three months of follow-up support, including opportunities for open-innovation projects with large and mid-sized Korean companies, investor pitching sessions and access to office space. The support is intended to help foreign founders not only enter the Korean market, but also grow and scale their businesses over the long term.
KSGC 2025 Demo Day Finalist Startups (40 Teams)
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 simplifying 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
