Dubai: More than 100 South Korean firms gathered at a major annual startup conference hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy this week, showcasing their latest advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging sectors. The annual Expand North Star exhibition kicked off in Dubai on Sunday for a four-day run, bringing together about 2,000 global startups from various industries to explore investment and business partnership opportunities.
According to Yonhap News Agency, fifteen South Korean organizations, including the Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development and the Korea Creative Content Agency, as well as regional governments, joined the event with delegations of 103 startups seeking to broaden cooperation with global partners. Among the South Korean startups at the Dubai event was Real Design Tech, which showcased an indoor bicycle designed for people with dementia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other mental conditions. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lee Joong-sik highlighted that the bike provides an experience similar to riding an actual bike, helping users maintain their balance.
Real Design Tech aims to reach hospitals in the Middle East to support rehabilitation and is seeking to expand into eight overseas markets, including the United States, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. ICF Co., another South Korean tech firm, showcased its platform ARcookie, which transforms AI-generated photos into augmented reality (AR) content for educational purposes. Seo Young-ho, the head of the company, noted the global potential in educational and artistic content.
A group of startups supported by Seoul National University also participated, including Mangoboost Inc., focusing on data processing units (DPUs) for AI data centers. Shin Won-jun, a manager at the company, emphasized the importance of optimizing network performance amid the growing demand for graphic processing units. Hoppers, another startup at the exhibition, offered comprehensive packages for digital nomads wishing to relocate to South Korea. Cho Jeong-hyun, who leads the company, stated their goal to make South Korea a major destination for digital nomads. Founded in 2021, Hoppers responds to the global shift toward remote work following the COVID-19 pandemic.