"We are developing and manufacturing a 'robot gripper (hand)' applying AI and robot technology. We will introduce it into domestic manufacturing and logistics factories to solve the labor shortage issue." (Kim Young-jin, representative of Tesollo)

On 5th, Minister Han Seong-suk of the Small and Medium Business Administration introduced domestic innovative small and medium-sized enterprises and startups to officials from 21 APEC member countries as part of the schedule for the 'APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting.' These are corporations participating in the '2025 Small and Medium Enterprises Technology and Management Innovation Exhibition' held at the Jeju International Convention Center (ICC).

Han Seong-suk (the fourth from the right), Minister of the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups, introduces domestic innovative small and medium enterprises and startups to officials from 21 APEC member countries at the Jeju International Convention Center (ICC) on the 5th. /Courtesy of Park Yong-seon.

Minister Han introduced them as "Korea's innovative small and medium-sized enterprises and startups," noting, "We are actively supporting AI-based technological innovation and commercialization so that our small and medium enterprises can become the main players on the global stage," explaining the role of the Small and Medium Business Administration.

Minister Han and APEC officials first visited 'Tesollo'. Tesollo is a startup developing robotic hands composed of joints, resembling human hands. It is capable of handling and manipulating various objects. Kim Young-jin, representative of Tesollo, stated, "It will not only maximize productivity in domestic manufacturing sites but also resolve the labor shortage issue."

They also toured the 'KL Cube' booth. KL Cube is a company developing an AI sign language translation service for the hearing impaired. Utilizing AI technology, it provides services by converting text and other materials into sign language through an avatar. Currently, it offers services in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese, with the possibility of expanding to various languages.

Next, they headed to the 'Toonsquare' booth. Toonsquare is a startup operating an AI-based webtoon auto-creation and digital content creation platform. During the event, they even created and provided a webtoon featuring Minister Han's face being photographed on-site.

Han Seong-suk (the second from the right), Minister of the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups, and officials from 21 APEC member countries listen to explanations from a representative of a domestic beauty small and medium enterprise. /Courtesy of the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups.

They also visited 'BM Cos' set up in the K-Beauty Hall. This company is a startup producing natural derma cosmetics called 'Bialmud' using Boryung mud as the main ingredient. It is currently achieving good results in foreign markets, including the United States, Japan, and Thailand, as well as domestically. Na Cheol-kyun, representative of BM Cos, stated, "We will strengthen our overseas operations to grow into a global beauty corporation."

Minister Han noted, "The APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting will serve as an opportunity and springboard for our small and medium enterprises and startups to expand globally," adding, "I will focus the policy capabilities of the Small and Medium Business Administration so that we can become the protagonists of sustainable growth and innovation on the world stage beyond Korea."

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