The "2025 Startup-BuS (Build up Strategy for Startups) Joint IR" event, hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED), and co-organized by the Creative Economy Innovation Centers of Gyeongnam, Gangwon, Gwangju, Incheon, and Chungbuk, was successfully held on the 8th at SKY31 Convention, Lotte Tower in Jamsil, Seoul.

This event brought together promising startups in cutting-edge technology fields such as bio, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and big data to explore practical collaboration and investment opportunities with domestic and international venture capital (VC) investors.

A total of 15 startups recommended by the five regional Creative Economy Innovation Centers participated in this year’s IR event, presenting their technological strengths and growth potential to over 50 VC representatives. One-on-one partnering and networking sessions were also held.

A key program was the seminar session, featuring lectures by Seoul National University Professor Nando Kim and global investment experts from Octave Ventures, who provided in-depth insights on the latest technology trends in bio and healthcare and global expansion strategies for startups.

Particularly, three startups recommended by the Gyeongnam Creative Economy Innovation Center drew strong interest from investors: AICU Co., Ltd., with its AI-based disease prediction solution, was noted for its potential in precision medicine. Seor Co., Ltd. introduced an AI-powered video analysis system to assist in capsule endoscopy interpretation. UMED Co., Ltd., which focuses on a digital healthcare platform for urology, was praised for its scalability in addressing the challenges of an aging society and specialized medical services.

VCs in attendance explored possibilities for follow-up investments through in-depth consultations with startups, and some companies are currently proceeding with additional meetings based on positive feedback.

Roh Choong-sik, Director of the Gyeongnam Center, commented, “This Joint IR provided a valuable platform for local startups to step onto the national stage. We will continue to support the scale-up and investment connectivity of innovative regional companies and help them enter the nationwide startup ecosystem.”