Vancouver, Canada - KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency), led by President Gyeong-seong Kang, in collaboration with the Gyeonggi-do Business & Science Accelerator (GBSA), headed by President Hyun-gon Kim, operates the Korea Pavilion at the globally renowned Web Summit 2025, held in Vancouver, Canada, over four days starting May 27. This event aims to serve as a strategic platform for Korea’s AI-focused startups to enter the Canadian market, build networks with global investors, verify technological capabilities, and explore collaboration opportunities.

Web Summit, regarded as one of the world's largest technology conferences, is held annually in different international venues, including Lisbon, Rio de Janeiro, and Doha. This year, the event shifts its venue from Toronto to Vancouver, reflecting a rebranding and expansion of influence. Last year’s collision event drew participation from over 1,600 startups across 117 countries and attracted approximately 75,000 investors and industry professionals, showcasing its significance on the global tech stage. For Korean startups eyeing North America, Web Summit provides a unique opportunity to raise an international profile and open doors to key strategic markets.

Canada’s strength lies in its leading AI research infrastructure. The country is home to globally recognized institutes such as the Vector Institute and the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII), with over 1,500 AI startups operating throughout its innovation clusters. Canada’s top-tier AI talent pool includes the top 10% of worldwide AI developers, making it a fertile ground for advanced technological ventures. The country’s proactive stance on attracting international startups, coupled with supportive policies for commercialization and global expansion, creates a highly conducive environment for Korean startups to accelerate their growth and gain footholds in North America’s competitive landscape.

This year’s participation includes six Korean startups specializing in AI-based software-as-a-service (SaaS), health technology (HealthTech), and clean technology (CleanTech). These companies will exhibit their solutions at dedicated booths while engaging in pitch sessions, technical validation (proof-of-concept), and strategic discussions with potential partners and investors. Such activities are geared toward enhancing their global competitiveness.

Prior to the official start of the event, participating companies will visit SFU Venture Labs, a prominent Vancouver-based accelerator, to deepen their understanding of the Canadian startup ecosystem. To facilitate their stay, KOTRA has also established a ‘K-Tech Camp,’ a shared co-working space that startups can utilize freely during the event, providing a flexible environment for business activities.

On May 28, in the afternoon, the “Korea-Canada Tech Startup Conference” will be held. Korean startups will have the opportunity to introduce their products and services to Canadian investors and buyers, while exploring possibilities for proof-of-concept validation, joint R&D ventures, and business cooperation. This platform aims to bolster bilateral collaboration and expedite Korean startups’ entry into the North American market.

Hyunsoo Choi, head of KOTRA Vancouver Trade Office, expressed optimism about the event, stating, “Canada is a rapidly growing market for advanced technologies, including AI, and participating in Web Summit will be a significant step in expanding our startups’ presence in North America and strengthening their global competitiveness.” Choi added, “We will continue to provide strong support to help Korean startups succeed internationally.”

This event is expected to serve as a pivotal opportunity for technological exchange and networking, playing a crucial role in promoting the international growth of Korean startups.

You can find the Korean version of this article here.

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