The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI) will hold a pitching competition to support Korea's artificial intelligence (AI) startups entering the German and European markets. The winning corporations will have the opportunity to present their business model on the main stage of the 19th Asia-Pacific German Business Conference (APK 2026), to be held in Seoul in Oct.
KGCCI said on the 6th that it will host "Korea-Germany Connect: AI Startup Pitching Challenge 2026" at the Korea International Trade Association's startup branch in Coex in Samseong-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul. The event, to be held on the 15th, is sponsored by Infineon Technologies AG and organized in partnership with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA). KGCCI is an institution established in 1981 to support Korea-Germany economic exchange.
The pitching challenge was organized as part of KGCCI's startup initiative, KG Connect. KGCCI plans consolidation of the Korean startup ecosystem with German and European business networks and to discover AI corporations with strong potential for local expansion.
Five domestic AI startups will advance to the final round. These corporations will present their technology and business models before a judging panel composed of officials from the German Embassy in Korea, the Korea International Trade Association, Infineon Technologies AG, Aumovio Korea, Mercedes-Benz Korea, and The Korea Herald.
Evaluation criteria include technological prowess and innovativeness, market potential, business performance, suitability for the German and European Union (EU) markets, sustainability of the revenue model, potential for collaboration with global conglomerates, and team capabilities.
The final winning team will conduct a live pitch on the main stage at APK 2026, to be held in Seoul from Oct. 29 to 31. The team will also be invited to a closed-door evening networking session during the event, where it can connect with executives of German and Asia-Pacific corporations and key figures. The five corporations advancing to the final will receive a one-year free KGCCI membership and invitations to major events.
APK is a flagship event for economic exchange between Germany and the Asia-Pacific region. APK 2026, to be held in Seoul this year, is expected to draw about 1,000 high-level figures from business, government, and academia, including the German chancellor and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy Minister.
Marie Antonia von Schönburg, head of KGCCI, said, "Korea is home to some of the world's most dynamic AI startups, and 'Korea-Germany Connect: AI Startup Pitching Challenge' is more than a competition—it is a gateway leading to APK 2026," adding, "By giving Korean AI startups the chance to present before around 1,000 influential figures from various sectors, we aim to strengthen ties within the Korea-Germany business community."