The Korea Data Industry Promotion Agency (K-DATA) has announced the selection of 17 promising startups and global companies for 2025. This marks a strategic move to foster innovation within Korea’s data ecosystem and strengthen global market competitiveness.
First, the Data-Stars program, now in its 12th year, attracted a record-high competition ratio of 40:1 this year. The program aims to enhance the commercialization of data-driven ideas, bringing innovative technologies closer to market. The final 10 companies will receive tailored support, including data infrastructure, funding for commercialization, and expert mentoring to accelerate their global competitiveness.
These companies span a wide range of cutting-edge fields. For example, BusinessCanvas, led by CEO Kim Woo-jin, developed Re:catch, an AI-based platform that visualizes customer management and sales information using corporate data. C.G. Inside, headed by CEO Park Sun-choon, leverages a database of 1 billion legal and regulatory records to develop ‘Hammurabi AI,’ a platform transforming legal services. Startup ChamYaks’a, led by CEO Kim Byung-joo, is optimizing pharmaceutical supply chains using real-time drug distribution data. Meanwhile, Toon-ing, founded by CEO Seo Sang-won, is creating AI systems for content localization in webtoons.
Other notable startups include The Sleep Factory, which analyzes sleep patterns for health monitoring; ILIO, supporting content creators with personalized AI assistants; JumanSa, a platform sharing vacant parking spaces; LiterNol, providing vision-based reverse logistics services; Chara-tu, developing data solutions for drug clinical trials; and Vatte AI, which automates financial data analysis and cash flow management via RPA SaaS.
Additionally, the Global Data (DATA-Global) program selected seven companies this year. Aimed at promoting the international expansion of Korean data firms, these companies receive government funding of up to 50 million won, along with support for overseas market entry, exhibition participation, and collaboration with global institutions.
Key companies include Moin, led by CEO Seo Il-Seok, which uses an AI-based FDS model to improve cross-border remittance and payment services; Shin In-geun’s 276 Holdings, developing a credit assessment system targeting ASEAN markets; Mediark, headed by Lee Chan-hyung, offering a global health support platform based on symptom check data; and AIVIS, founded by Lee Dae-hong, developing AI diagnostics for PD-L1 biomarkers using German biopsy slide data. Other firms include Integritics, led by Park Byung-zin, which focuses on global SaaS solutions for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries; Wert Intelligence, led by Youn Jung-ho, which develops user-friendly AI patent search tools; and MediAIPlus, led by Jung Ji-hee, which specializes in clinical trial and drug data solutions.
Yang Jae-soo, president of K-DATA, emphasizes, “Data is a core strategic asset for AI and digital transformation. These selected companies will play a vital role in elevating Korea’s data industry on the global stage, and we will continue to provide policy and practical support to help them grow into ‘Korean-style global data unicorns.’”
The selection of these 17 companies marks a significant step toward innovative, data-driven growth and global market expansion. As they venture to the forefront of Korea’s digital economy, all eyes are on their future achievements and their impact in shaping the international data ecosystem.
You can find the Korean version of this article here.
