Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) said on the 5th that it successfully wrapped up the "Smart City Innovation Showcase," co-hosted with the Consulate General in Seattle in Seattle, the United States.
Held on the 4th (local time), the event was organized to share ways to solve urban problems using innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), bio, and mobility. Fifteen promising Korean startups took part and introduced their technologies and business models to investors, corporations, and public institution officials. Through presentations, exhibits, and networking programs, participating companies sought opportunities to enter the U.S. market and to collaborate.
The event was co-organized by the K-Startup Center (KSC) in Seattle, operated by Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME), and the Consulate General in Seattle. More than 200 people attended, including the Washington State Department of Commerce and the Business Support Department, officials from Oregon and major cities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Seattle Police Department, the University of Washington, Boeing, Microsoft, and major venture capital (VC) officials, showing interest in Korean startups.
The city of Seattle once again proclaimed June 4, the day of the event, as "Korea SMEs and Startups Day (KOSME DAY)." It is unusual for the city of Seattle to re-proclaim a commemorative day first designated in 2024.
Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) has supported the U.S. entry of Korean small and medium-sized venture corporations and built collaborative networks not only with local innovation institutions but also with corporations.
Seo Eun-ji, consul general in Seattle, said, "Overseas missions and local support institutions are working as one team to support our corporations entering the U.S. market on the ground."
Park Jang-hyeok, head of global growth at Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME), noted, "This event holds important meaning not only for economic cooperation between Korea and the United States but also in terms of expanding global partnerships for technological innovation and solving urban problems," adding, "Based on cooperation such as Korea SMEs and Startups Day, we will continue to expand support so that Korean small and medium-sized venture corporations can achieve results in the U.S. market."