Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) of the Republic of Korea and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) held the CES 2025 Innovation Forum (“Forum”) today at COEX in Seoul. 

The Forum was organized as public-private support for translating the innovative outcomes of Korean companies that gained recognition through the Consumer Electrics Show (CES) 2025 into a solid base for their global market entry. At this year’s CES, Korea saw the highest number of innovation awards go to its homegrown businesses, showcased the largest integrated Korean pavilion, reached a historic USD 0.35 billion in estimated export contract amount, and won a place among the new Global Innovation Champions.

In view of these achievements, the Korean government launched the Forum to ensure the outcomes lead to actual exports through timely follow-up support.

First, a debriefing session introduced the key takeaways of CES 2025 regarding some of the new industrial ecosystems and opportunities to be ushered in by artificial intelligence (AI), including robotaxi, energy, and healthcare. It was followed by a presentation session where five companies shared their CES innovation awards winning strategies and provided participants the opportunity to engage in export promotion activities, such as online export consultations.

Meanwhile, various institutions introduced export and financial assistance programs aiming at innovative firms. KOTRA introduced its program providing catered support and preferential treatment for innovative domestic companies as well as assistance in setting up exclusive booths at major exhibitions, participation in Demo Day events, and Korean firms’ entry into global supply chains centering on K-Tech Camps.

Also at the Forum were the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund (KODIT) and Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) offering guarantee support and financial solutions. Moreover, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) shared plans to support the exports of innovative businesses through NextRise 2025, Korea’s largest startup fair.