At MWC26 held in Barcelona, one side of the world’s largest mobile exhibition—buzzing with visitors—featured a space where the strength of Korean startups could be seen. At the 4YFN exhibition hall organized by SK Telecom’s startup collaboration program “SKTCH,” we met three teams tackling real-world problems with their own technologies.Technology that enables AI to run lightly and quickly inside smartphones; technology that restores damaged forests using drones and seeds; and technology that protects data from hacking threats by splitting it into pieces. Though their fields and approaches differ, these three companies are connected by one common thread: using technology to protect aspects of everyday life.Three companies, three answers Q. How would you explain your technology to someone who has never heard of it?A. Enerzai (CEO Jang Han-him): What Enerzai does is create the world’s smallest language models, enabling high-performance intelligence to be embedded into all devices at low cost. Tasks that would normally require models of tens of gigabytes in the cloud can be processed directly on the device using ultra-lightweight models of only a few hundred megabytes. Costs go down, and personal data never leaves the device.■ Running AI on smartphones Enerzai possesses technology that compresses AI models down to 1.58 bits while maintaining accuracy. At MWC, they demonstrated real-time translation from English to Spanish using two language models on a single small device—without the cloud, and with models only a few hundred megabytes in size.A. InvaLab (CEO Shin Won-hyeop): What we do is plan using data so that nature can restore itself, execute using drones, and diagnose the results. For example, conventional invasive species removal methods often involve repeated work in the same location every year, yet invasive species continue to spread. This makes removal rates appear high, but actual management outcomes are limited. InvaLab uses drones to identify areas where invasive species have spread, designs seed balls composed of native species suited to the local environment, disperses them via drones, and then analyzes recovery using data. Instead of herbicides, we accelerate nature’s competitive processes through technology.■ Restoring forests with drones Restoring forests with drones is not simply about scattering seeds—it involves designing and executing ecological recovery based on data. Seed balls are customized restoration tools composed of native species combinations tailored to specific sites, based on soil analysis and ecological modeling. In areas where seed balls were applied in restoration projects, early establishment and spread of native species were significantly observed.A. Connexi (CEO Choi Young-il): What we do is distribute important data securely across multiple locations instead of storing it in one place, while enabling immediate verification of its authenticity when needed. Even if data is lost, altered, or attacked, we create a structure that allows it to be verified and restored.■ Protecting data by splitting it When security managers at large financial institutions expressed fatigue from deploying dozens of personnel every night to back up tens of terabytes of data, Connexi proposed this: “Don’t ‘perform’ backups separately. Make backups ‘complete’ the moment the data is stored.”Q. What was the most difficult moment during the development of your technology?A. Enerzai (CEO Jang Han-him): The most painful moment was when our research was hindered by the limited resources of a startup. Ironically, building ultra-small AI models requires a large number of GPUs. While we help customers use AI without GPUs, we ourselves lacked GPUs for research. We overcame this by actively seeking support from large companies’ startup programs. It was a moment when we realized a life lesson: if you truly want something, you must actively ask for help.A. Connexi (CEO Choi Young-il): The hardest part was turning a good idea into technology that works in real customer environments. What works in a lab must also overcome barriers of speed, cost, and integration with existing systems in the field. Instead of trying to create a perfect solution all at once, we moved forward by identifying potential problem points early and addressing them in advance.A. InvaLab (CEO Shin Won-hyeop): The most difficult part was simply the fact that it takes time. It takes seasons for plants to grow and gain a competitive advantage, and during that time, it’s not easy to convince investors and customers that “things are going well.” We overcame this by using multispectral drone imagery to visualize vegetation changes that are not visible to the naked eye. Over time, the difference compared to conventional methods became clear, and this accumulated data became a unique asset for InvaLab.Q. What was the most impressive moment at MWC?Jang Han-him, CEO of Enerzai, introducing the company’s on-device AI technology at the MWC26 4YFN exhibition hall. (Photo courtesy of Enerzai)A. Enerzai (CEO Jang Han-him): I spotted a representative from a partner company I had really wanted to meet but hadn’t had the chance to connect with, walking in the distance. I ran over and secured a meeting. We also invited representatives from a European telecom company we’re currently in contract discussions with to our booth and demonstrated our solution, which helped accelerate the deal.A. InvaLab (CEO Shin Won-hyeop): At MWC, an IT and telecommunications event, I realized that interest in natural capital solutions was much broader than expected. We made an unexpected connection with a local ecological institution in Barcelona, and that has now progressed to formal meetings.A. Connexi (CEO Choi Young-il): The most memorable moment was a conversation with a PhD student specializing in cybersecurity. He mentioned a recent data breach at the Barcelona tax authority and shared the local distrust toward existing cloud infrastructure. I could clearly see why European companies prefer Swiss infrastructure and how urgent the issue of “data trust” is. In fact, we are currently receiving proposals for technical validation from global companies in Europe and the U.S. and are in discussions.A path that becomes faster when walked together Q. As a startup, what does the “technology ecosystem” look like to you? A. Connexi (CEO Choi Young-il): I believe a technology ecosystem cannot be completed alone. Startups can quickly define problems and experiment, while large corporations have infrastructure, markets, and real customer touchpoints. What’s important is not to see each other simply as suppliers and consumers. When you solve even small problems together, trust is built, and that can lead to bigger projects.Shin Won-hyeop, CEO of InvaLab, introducing ecological restoration technology to SK Telecom CEO Jaeheon Jung at the MWC26 4YFN exhibition hall. (Photo courtesy of InvaLab)A. InvaLab (CEO Shin Won-hyeop): What we feel on the ground is that the relationship between large corporations and startups is gradually shifting away from the traditional contractor–vendor structure. Collaboration works best when roles are clearly defined. InvaLab focuses on ecological restoration technology and data analysis, while our partners bring customer networks and platforms—this is where synergy emerges. We’ve also realized that when a startup can clearly demonstrate its technical expertise, large corporations respond seriously as partners. A. Enerzai (CEO Jang Han-him): I believe a technology ecosystem is not about a single company solving everything, but about stakeholders with their own strengths connecting to create value. In the AI field especially, semiconductor companies, telecom operators, device manufacturers, and software startups must form a chain for real products to emerge. The most important aspect of collaboration between large corporations and startups is not a one-sided support relationship, but thinking about the value each side can offer. If the agility of startups can be embedded into large corporations, couldn’t that become a catalyst for global expansion? Q. What was your experience working with SKT’s SKTCH program, and what projects would you like to pursue in the future? A. Enerzai (CEO Jang Han-him): What impressed me most was how SKT covers the entire AI value chain so comprehensively. A project I’d like to pursue together in the future is running high-performance AI agents on mobile devices like smartphones. I’d love to realize true “AI Everywhere” together. A. InvaLab (CEO Shin Won-hyeop): What stood out was that SKT treated participating startups not just as support recipients, but as partners working together to showcase Korean technology on the global stage. Going forward, we would like to expand forest restoration solutions overseas by combining SKT’s Vision AI with InvaLab’s ecological models. When applying models developed in Korea to ecosystems in other countries, SKT’s technology and network would be an excellent partnership.Choi Young-il, CEO of Connexi, introducing the company’s distributed storage technology at the MWC26 4YFN exhibition hall. (Photo courtesy of Connexi)A. Connexi (CEO Choi Young-il): Based on our experience conducting technical validation of data trust services with SKT’s security certification team in the second half of last year, we would like to continue collaboration in areas such as real-time database backup and integrity verification of AI agent training data. Our goal is to build a security ecosystem with SKT that safeguards data trust.Q. Four years from now, how do you hope your technology will be embedded in everyday life?A. Enerzai (CEO Jang Han-him): We hope the technology currently applied to millions of devices will expand to hundreds of millions. Devices that once only provided data will evolve into entities capable of active reasoning. We want to become the first company that comes to mind when people think of “on-device AI.”A. InvaLab (CEO Shin Won-hyeop): We want to drive a shift where ecological restoration is recognized not as a cost, but as an investment. When restoration outcomes translate into carbon credits or biodiversity credits and generate real revenue, more stakeholders will voluntarily participate.A. Connexi (CEO Choi Young-il): Even if people don’t know the name Connexi, we want to create a state where critical data is securely protected on top of Connexi’s technology. An invisible foundation that feels essential when absent. Our goal is to establish a standard where, from the moment data is stored, it can be trusted.What AI can protect Although they work in different fields, all three CEOs clearly remember the moment they decided, “This is a problem I must solve.” “During my graduate studies, I conducted field surveys by walking through steep slopes and tidal flats in the middle of summer. Through this, I realized the limitations of labor-intensive management approaches in keeping up with rapidly changing ecological problems. At the same time, I saw how climate change was causing these issues to spread on a larger scale. I concluded that solving this problem requires data-driven decision-making, continuous monitoring, and more efficient restoration methods. ‘Without technology, ecological problems cannot be solved.’ With that conviction, I decided to start a company to solve this problem and scale the solution globally.” — Shin Won-hyeop, CEO of InvaLab “I believe the future is not something to predict, but something to prevent. As all industries begin to operate on data, the preparation for how to securely protect that data and prove its authenticity was weaker than expected. The moment I realized this was a problem that someone had to solve first, Connexi began.” — Choi Young-il, CEO of Connexi “On the day AlphaGo defeated Lee Sedol, I was working as a junior at SKT. Later, I witnessed AI producing more accurate results than experts in disease diagnosis, and I became convinced that ‘AI technology can solve any problem.’ I also believed that this technology should not remain confined to data centers. Creating AI that permeates every device and every person—that is the starting point of Enerzai.” — Jang Han-him, CEO of Enerzai AI quietly embedded in devices, seeds scattered across damaged forests, and data securely distributed across multiple locations—what they protect may not be immediately visible, but their absence would be deeply felt.Enerzai is paving the way for AI to operate lightly and quickly on everyday devices; InvaLab is enabling nature to restore itself through technology; and Connexi is building a path where data can flow securely and be trusted. The journey of these three teams, who stood on the stage in Barcelona with SKT’s SKTCH program, now continues on the broader path of the global market.Source : https://news.sktelecom.com/223057

Operating the “SKT Startup Exhibition Hall” at 4YFN… Supporting the exhibition of 15 AI and ESG startups Presenting a plan to nurture 500 startups over the next five years by 2030SK Telecom announced on the 5th that CEO Jaeheon Jeong met with domestic startup CEOs at the world’s largest mobile exhibition, Mobile World Congress (MWC) 26, held in Barcelona, Spain, and pledged to become an “AI partner.”SK Telecom CEO Jaeheon Jeong holding a lunch meeting with the CEOs of 15 startups. [Photo = SKT]SK Telecom is operating the “SKT Startup Exhibition Hall” at 4YFN (4 Years From Now), an official side event of MWC26. The exhibition hall showcases the technologies and services of 15 innovative startups in the AI and ESG sectors. Participating companies include MESAQUR Company, BeringLab, Broz, Stress Solution, SixtyHertz, Energize, Airis, AIV, Ucchaeun Project, InvaLab, Chilloen, Coxwave, Conexi, Qubic, and ForNatureS. On the afternoon of the 3rd (local time), CEO Jeong held a lunch meeting with the startup CEOs participating in the exhibition. During the meeting, he reviewed the startups’ technologies and business models and listened to the challenges they face in expanding globally and collaborating with large corporations. He also shared SK Telecom’s plans and vision for supporting startups. CEO Jeong referred to the government’s “Startup and Venture Policy Vision” and the “Comprehensive Plan to Become One of the World’s Top Four Venture Powerhouses,” stating, “SK Telecom will actively respond to the government’s policy and become an ‘AI partner’ for startups.” CEO Jeong also presented the scale of SK Telecom’s startup support. SK Telecom plans to support the development of 500 startups over the next five years by 2030 through various programs. This year, the company plans to support 80 startups in total, including: Operating the startup acceleration programs “SKTCH for Good” (15 startups) and “SKTCH with AI” (15 startups) Supporting collaboration through the startup partnership platform “SKTCH” (10 startups) Acting as a partner linked with the Daejeon–Sejong Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (20 startups) Collaborating with government support programs such as pre-startup, early startup, and scale-up packages (10 startups) Hosting 1:1 consultation meet-ups (10 startups) The support scale will gradually expand thereafter. SK Telecom plans to support 90 startups in 2027, 100 in 2028, 110 in 2029, and 120 in 2030, with a goal of nurturing approximately 100 startups annually on average. SK Telecom stated, “CEO Jeong Jaeheon’s pledge to become an ‘AI partner’ is not merely a declaration. It represents an execution strategy for growing together with startups by connecting SK Telecom’s AI technology, infrastructure, and business capabilities with them.” The company added, “We will continue to expand cooperation so that startups can advance into the global market.”Source : https://n.news.naver.com/article/031/0001010422

Providing investment attraction support targeting major European venture capital firms… extending support to global investment and market expansion opportunitiesA bird’s-eye view of the “SKT Startup Exhibition Hall” at “4YFN,” a side event of “MWC26.”On the 24th, SK Telecom announced that it will operate a dedicated exhibition hall for innovative startups in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and ESG at “4YFN (4 Years from Now),” a side event of the world’s largest mobile communications exhibition, “MWC26,” and will support their global investment attraction and market expansion. “4YFN” is an exhibition that discovers and supports promising startups with the potential to participate in the main MWC exhibition four years from now.This year’s “4YFN” will be held for four days from March 2 to 5 (local time) at Hall 8.1 of Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain, where “MWC26” takes place.At this year’s “4YFN,” SK Telecom will set up a dedicated exhibition hall for startups and introduce collaboration cases and innovative technologies together with 15 promising startups in the AI and ESG sectors. The 15 companies are MesaQure Company, Bering Lab, Broz, Stress Solution, SixtyHertz, Energize, Airis, AIV, Pleasant Project, InvaLab, Chiloen, Coxwave, Conexi, Cubic, and Forenatures.Since first operating a dedicated startup exhibition hall at “4YFN” in 2019, SK Telecom has continued to participate every year except for 2020 and 2021, when it did not attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, this year’s exhibition hall carries the theme “SKTCH Today, Change Tomorrow,” reflecting a vision of mutual growth in which SK Telecom and startups create “the change of tomorrow” together through collaboration that encompasses AI innovation and environmental and social value. “SKTCH” is a combination of SKT, which stands for SK Telecom, and Tech, meaning technology, and represents SK Telecom’s collaboration platform for strengthening partnerships with startups.At the exhibition, AI technologies being applied to real industries and everyday life across various areas such as security, space, and content will be introduced.MesaQure Company provides identity verification technology to financial institutions and public organizations, including the PASS app of the three major telecommunications companies, based on its facial recognition AI solution “UFACE.” Broz offers a “space-specialized AI solution” that digitally recreates offline spaces through its 3D space auto-generation AI technology. Coxwave provides AI service improvement consulting based on user behavior data through its AI product analytics platform “Align,” and co-hosted the “Claude Code Builder Hackathon” with SK Telecom and Anthropic at the “2025 SK AI Summit.”In addition, other participating companies include Bering Lab, which provides AI solutions specialized in legal translation; Energize, which developed the AI inference optimization engine “Optimum”; AIV, which is developing decentralized GPU cloud technology; Airis, which developed an AI-powered X-ray scanner for security applications; Chiloen, which operates an AI music creation platform; Conexi, which provides a data storage platform based on IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) distributed storage; and Cubic, which supplies synthetic data for AI analysis and training.Startups in the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) sector that address environmental and social challenges through technology will also participate in this exhibition.Stress Solution, a company providing the personalized stress management solution “Healing Beat” based on biometric data analysis, has previously delivered stress and sleep management solutions to the SK Knights basketball team. SixtyHertz, which offers AI-based renewable energy generation forecasting and management solutions, participated in the development of SK Telecom’s virtual power plant (VPP) map, improving energy management efficiency. Other participants showcasing innovative technologies include Pleasant Project, which operates an AI-based mental health management solution; InvaLab, which provides natural ecosystem restoration and management solutions using multimodal remote sensing data; and Forenatures, which develops eco-friendly carbon reduction and air purification technologies. In addition to the exhibition, SK Telecom will hold a startup investment briefing in Barcelona on the 4th (local time), inviting representatives from major European venture capital (VC) firms. Seven startups—MesaQure Company, Stress Solution, SixtyHertz, Airis, AIV, Pleasant Project, and Cubic—will participate, presenting their technological capabilities and business competitiveness to global investors.Eom Jong-hwan, Head of ESG Promotion at SK Telecom, said, “Through ‘4YFN’ at MWC26, we have established a dedicated exhibition hall to showcase the technological strengths and collaborative achievements of innovative startups to a global audience,” adding, “We will continue to provide meaningful, practical support as a strong partner for promising domestic startups.”Source : ​https://biz.chosun.com/it-science/ict/2026/02/24/HJBSQNYBUJA6ZJUD7GUVV4RJDA/?utm_source=naver&utm_medium=original&utm_campaign=biz

[Since 2022, the University of Seoul has led youth entrepreneurship and regional innovation under the vision of “The Most Seoul-Like Impact, the Most Global Value,” beginning with the Seoul Impact initiative. In particular, it provides focused support to startups in AI-driven urban innovation and social impact, fostering a sustainable startup ecosystem where technology and social value are in harmony. The university was selected as an excellent case in the regional revitalization category of the Seoul Campus Town program and received an A+ grade in the 2024 Seoul Campus Town performance evaluation. Accordingly, IT Donga introduces the growth stories and innovative achievements of AI startups being nurtured by the University of Seoul.]“We will create a sustainable future in which nature and humans coexist, grounded in scientific evidence.”Shin Wonhyeop, CEO of InvaLab / Source: IT DongaThe damage to ecosystems caused by abnormal climate conditions is becoming increasingly severe. Invasive plant species such as ragweed, bur cucumber, and Canadian goldenrod are spreading across Korea, threatening native species. With their rapid and aggressive reproductive capacity, these plants not only disrupt local ecosystems but also cause crop damage and negatively affect human health by triggering allergies. The range of affected areas continues to expand each year.However, effectively managing invasive plants and restoring damaged ecosystems is no easy task. It requires extensive field surveys, specialized personnel, and continuous monitoring even after removal. Nature-tech startup InvaLab Inc. is stepping in to address these challenges using AI, drones, and IoT technologies. We met with Shin Wonhyeop, CEO of InvaLab, to hear about the company’s direction and goals.An Unexpected Startup Journey Rooted in Biodiversity ExpertiseFounded in 2023, InvaLab develops integrated solutions for controlling invasive plant species. CEO Shin Wonhyeop explained that the company name was inspired by the word “invasion,” meaning intrusion or encroachment. “It carries a dual meaning,” he said. “One is to prevent the invasion of invasive species, and the other is to penetrate unseen areas using remote sensing technologies to quantitatively assess biodiversity.” Biodiversity refers to the overall diversity of species, ecosystems, and genetic resources on Earth. It is critically important as the foundation for maintaining ecosystem functions. Shin Wonhyeop, CEO of InvaLab, who majored in plant ecology, founded InvaLab with the goal of addressing challenges in this field through technology. / Source: IT DongaSeptember 7, the founding date of InvaLab, coincides with the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, designated by the United Nations (UN). First commemorated in 2020, the day aims to raise awareness of environmental pollution while promoting efforts to reduce pollution and create cleaner air. It is also meaningful as the first UN official international day proposed by the Korean government and is recognized as a national commemorative day.CEO Shin Wonhyeop did not initially set out to become an entrepreneur. In 2018, as he was about to complete his master’s degree in plant ecology at Seoul National University, he secured an internship at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) regional office in Bangkok, Thailand, where he worked for about six months. During this time, he felt frustrated that although social and climate issues were accelerating, solutions progressed slowly due to organizational governance constraints—even when the necessary technologies existed. He also faced the practical concern that, due to frequent personnel rotations inherent to such organizations, he might not be able to continue pursuing his desired research. He later strengthened his expertise in the natural environment and ecosystem field, earning a Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture from Seoul National University in 2024.Reflecting on his journey, Shin noted, “Plant ecology is a labor-intensive field centered on experts, but due to demanding fieldwork and relatively low compensation, the workforce has continued to shrink. From data collection in the field to analysis, the workload effectively doubles. There was a clear need to overcome this structure technologically. In seeking to solve this problem through technology and apply solutions more rapidly, founding InvaLab became a natural step.”An Integrated Solution from Precision Diagnosis to Customized ActionInvaLab provides an integrated solution that adds science-based core technologies to natural ecosystem restoration. These core technologies are built on two pillars: precision diagnosis (monitoring) and customized action (restoration).Precision diagnosis leverages remote sensing techniques that combine multispectral drone data with standard high-resolution drone imagery. InvaLab has currently achieved up to 95% accuracy in biological detection, enabling the quantification of living organisms even in areas invisible to the naked eye. Based on these diagnostic results, InvaLab produces and deploys its proprietary Seed Balls, enabling customized restoration actions. Accurately determining the appropriate function and quantity of Seed Balls required for restoration is itself a key technological capability.Shin emphasized, “In the medical field, there are many imaging tools such as CT scans and X-rays, but what matters more is accurately diagnosing the images and prescribing the right treatment. InvaLab works the same way. We analyze drone imagery and ecological data to make informed decisions, determining the necessary functions and quantities of Seed Balls. That is where our proprietary technological strength lies.” NatureBlitz and NatureX are InvaLab’s flagship solutions. / Source: InvaLabInvaLab’s flagship solutions include ▲NatureBlitz ▲NatureX. NatureBlitz is a customized Seed Ball product designed for the restoration and rehabilitation of degraded areas. Seeds are selected based on the principles of functional competition among native species and combined with suitable soil and nutrient materials to create tailored formulations. Backed by two related patents and nine SCI-indexed journal publications, InvaLab possesses one of the country’s leading alternative plant technology capabilities. The solution addresses the fragmentation of conventional management methods, reduces the risk of on-site accidents through drone operations, and enables work in areas with restricted access.Another distinguishing feature of InvaLab is its separate operation of monitoring drones and seeding drones. For monitoring, the company uses small drones equipped with LiDAR or multispectral sensors, while seeding operations are carried out using large agricultural drones with a payload capacity of over 25 kg. The impeller module used for seeding is also an in-house technology developed by InvaLab.Lastly, NatureX is a platform currently under development that provides spatial quantitative data generated through remote sensing in the form of Software as a Service (SaaS). It visualizes accumulated spatial data and enables its use in corporate ESG performance evaluation and non-financial risk management. By applying digital twin technology, NatureX also supports long-term spatial management decision-making. Shin Wonhyeop emphasized, “InvaLab’s differentiation lies in not simply planting trees in degraded areas, but in quantitatively measuring which organisms are added and how much carbon credit increases, and then returning greater outcomes and value to society as social value.”A Necessary Yet Unfamiliar Field: Challenges in PersuasionInvaLab was founded by CEO Shin Wonhyeop together with three master’s- and doctoral-level researchers from Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Environmental Studies and Graduate School of Engineering, and has since grown into a team of seven. Along the way, the company distinguished itself by winning the Grand Prize at the 2023 Innovation Camp Startup Competition and the Top Prize at the 2024 CBC Korea Startup Competition. In 2024, InvaLab was also selected as an early-stage startup under the Startup-Centered University Program run by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development, and further secured support through the Startup Growth Technology Development Program (Didimdol) and the TIPS program.InvaLab is overcoming the challenges of pioneering the ecosystem restoration market by leveraging its proprietary technologies and actively participating in open innovation and proof-of-concept (PoC) programs with government and private-sector partners. / Source: IT DongaIn the process of developing its proprietary technologies, InvaLab went through numerous trials and errors. Beyond the pressure of securing top talent, the company also faced challenges in persuading clients and investors about the relatively unfamiliar fields of ecosystem restoration and biodiversity. Shin Wonhyeop explained, “Ecosystem restoration is not a market crowded with active competitors, which means the cost of finding demand and convincing customers is actually higher. Continuously quantifying an opaque and hard-to-measure market, and demonstrating how socially meaningful outcomes can be delivered through technology, remains a key challenge for InvaLab.” Nevertheless, InvaLab is overcoming the difficulties of pioneering the ecosystem restoration market by leveraging its proprietary technologies and actively participating in open innovation and proof-of-concept (PoC) programs with government agencies and private companies. Through collaborations with various partners, the company is also building a strong network. Recently, InvaLab brought on board a designer to strengthen customer-friendly branding. Shin noted, “I felt that if the term ‘biodiversity’ sounds difficult, then InvaLab’s mission might also feel distant. That’s why we believed it was important to create a more approachable, customer-friendly impression.” Recognized on the Global Stage, Aiming for International Expansion This year, InvaLab represented Korea at the global startup competition Creative Business Cup 2025, held in Copenhagen, Denmark, where it won second place. InvaLab’s nature-based ecosystem restoration solution was thus recognized as a viable business model on the international stage, signaling a positive outlook for the company’s global expansion.InvaLab represented Korea at the global startup competition Creative Business Cup 2025, where it won second place. / Source: InvaLabThis milestone helped clarify InvaLab’s goals even further: to grow into a global biodiversity management company. In particular, the company aims to provide resilience-based restoration plans that prevent recurrence after large-scale disasters in regions frequently affected by wildfires, such as California in the United States and British Columbia in Canada. Shin explained, “It’s not just about removing trees, but about planning environments with firebreak forests, less flammable tree species, and biodiversity-informed designs that enhance resilience.”InvaLab does have overseas competitors such as Flash Forest in Canada and Dendra in Australia, but these companies are also relatively young startups, around five years old, and are still in the validation phase. Shin emphasized, “InvaLab doesn’t think of itself as selling products or services, but rather outcomes. Like Patagonia, we differentiate ourselves by sharing our corporate vision with customers. In that sense, InvaLab dreams of becoming Korea’s Patagonia.”Restoring damaged nature and building a sustainable future is no longer a choice but a necessity. With this conviction, InvaLab continues to grow with the ambition of becoming a company that leads a sustainable future where nature and humans coexist.Meanwhile, InvaLab was selected this year as a resident company of the AI Impact Lab at the University of Seoul Campus Town. Shin said, “After being selected as an AI Impact Lab resident company, we received commercialization funding, which helped advance InvaLab’s products and solutions. We also had opportunities to apply for and participate in seminars tailored to InvaLab’s needs. In addition, we are receiving a wide range of support from the University of Seoul Campus Town, including mentoring and consulting.”Source : https://www.donga.com/news/It/article/all/20251028/132651413/1

From Invasive Species Removal to Seed Ball Sowing… Establishing a Foundation for Tracking Ecological Change Aromatica, an aromatherapy-based scalp and skincare brand, announced on the 5th the results of its “Soil Restoration Project,” jointly carried out with ecological restoration solution startup InvaLab. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding in March this year and selected agricultural slope boundaries in Gamul-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, as the restoration site. The project focused on on-site activities and ecological analysis centered on removing the invasive vine Humulus japonicus and restoring native plant species. From April to November, a total of five on-site programs were conducted, with 107 employees and consumers participating. Intensive removal efforts were carried out in alignment with the plant’s growth cycle—from spring, when new shoots emerge, through the growing season, to autumn just before seed dispersal. Through regular removal activities, a noticeable decline in the density and coverage of Humulus japonicus was confirmed.Aromatica Ecological Restoration ProjectIn November, native-species seed balls were sown on areas where the invasive vine Humulus japonicus had been removed, establishing a foundation for ecological recovery based on analyses of nearby native plant communities. The seed balls—made with seeds of native species such as Lespedeza bicolor, Lespedeza cuneata, Glycine soja, and Aster pilosus—were enhanced with biochar (a carbon-based soil amendment produced by pyrolyzing biomass under high-temperature, low-oxygen conditions). The addition of biochar improved germination conditions and increased carbon retention in the soil. By sowing seed balls, native vegetation was encouraged to rapidly occupy spaces previously dominated by invasive species. Rather than stopping at removal alone, the project pursued simultaneous restoration of native species, thereby creating conditions that allow the soil to recover on its own.Another significant achievement was the establishment of baseline ecological data over the course of one year, including soil organic matter, moisture content, microbial activity, vegetation vigor indices (NDVI), and ground cover. Overall, early signs indicating the site’s recovery potential were observed, underscoring the need for long-term ecological monitoring and zone-specific adaptive management.The first-year outcomes of this joint project are meaningful in that they go beyond a record of one-off volunteer activities, providing companies with a systematic basis to examine early vegetation changes and the long-term potential for soil recovery in addressing biodiversity challenges. In addition, research is currently underway to develop products that repurpose the collected Humulus japonicus biomass as a new resource.Shin Wonhyeop, CEO of InvaLab, stated, “The baseline ecological data obtained through this survey go beyond simple status measurements and serve as a crucial foundation for predicting recovery pathways for the site. Together with Aromatica, we plan to establish a long-term ecological monitoring system to precisely track changes in local ecosystems and further advance biodiversity-based ESG initiatives in a more scientific manner.”Kim Young-gyun, CEO of Aromatica, commented, “All of Aromatica’s products originate from plants. Since healthy plants require healthy soil, our interest in soil is closely aligned with our core business. This soil restoration project represents the first step in putting these considerations into practice in the field. The baseline data established through the first year of activities will serve as a reference point guiding the direction of Aromatica’s future ESG initiatives.”Source : https://zdnet.co.kr/view/?no=20251205145619

Six AI-Ready Seed Data Sets Now Open in Real Time… Expanding the Data Ecosystem in Forestry and Gardening Through Public–Private Collaboration[Herald Economy = Reporter Kwon-hyung Lee] The Korea Arboretum and Garden Management Service (KNA), an agency under the Korea Forest Service, announced on the 10th that it is opening six AI-ready seed datasets in real time through an Application Programming Interface (API).The initiative is expected to serve as a major milestone in supporting the private sector’s free utilization of public data, accelerating digital transformation in the forestry and garden sectors, and promoting private-sector AI convergence services.The newly released datasets are built on the Seed Bank’s research database and include key information related to seed research and conservation, such as: • Taxonomic information • Seed vitality • Morphological characteristics • Quality-control information Additionally, the datasets include collection-site information and introducing-institution data, providing ecological background and provenance for each seed.Through this open API release, the KNA plans to stimulate AI research across industry and academia and support the development of data-driven forest restoration technologies.In fact, the private company InvaLab has already enhanced the accuracy of its drone-based ecological restoration models by incorporating seed vitality and morphological data from the newly opened datasets. This technology was recently demonstrated on-site during the “Seed-Ball Sowing Event” hosted by the KNA, showcasing the practical value and public–private applicability of the data.KNA President Shim Sang-taek stated, “The opening of the seed-information API marks the starting point for enabling the private sector to build innovative services using public data,” adding, “We will continue to provide diverse datasets in AI-ready formats and expand the data ecosystem in the forestry and garden sectors through ongoing collaboration with private partners.”Meanwhile, the KNA plans to further enhance the forest-data ecosystem by strategically expanding public-data access and strengthening infrastructure for AI-convergence content development in the fields of forest biological resources and horticulture. Source:https://biz.heraldcorp.com/article/10612737?ref=naver

Shin Wonhyeop, CEO of InvaLab Provides solutions that detect biodiversity risks and opportunities through remote sensing and restore ecosystems using seed-based methods Developing two core solutions—NatureBlitz and NatureX—built on technological convergence, efficiency, and sustainability as key competitive advantagesInvaLab is a nature-tech company that uses technology to address ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation. The company provides solutions that identify biodiversity risks and opportunities through remote sensing and restore ecosystems using seed-based methods. It was founded in September 2023 by CEO Shin Wonhyeop (age 35).The company’s main items are two solutions: NatureBlitz and NatureX. NatureBlitz is an on-site customized ecological restoration solution that combines drone, AI, and geospatial technologies to perform, in a one-stop process, the detection and removal of invasive alien plants, the seeding of native plants (seed balls), and post-monitoring.Compared to existing labor-centered methods, it can reduce cost and time while increasing restoration effectiveness. It is being used in ecological restoration projects linked to the ESG initiatives of government, public institutions, and companies.NatureX is a SaaS-based digital-twin platform that combines drone, satellite, and LiDAR data with AI ecological models to convert biodiversity and environmental monitoring into data and indicators. It supports companies and governments in managing carbon, biodiversity, and natural-capital risks in accordance with TNFD and ESG reporting systems.InvaLab’s competitiveness can be summarized in three points. First is technological convergence, which integrates drones, AI, LiDAR, and digital-twin technologies to manage the entire process from restoration execution to data-based performance management. Second is efficiency, enabling large-scale ecological restoration faster and at lower cost than labor-centered methods, with high precision and objectivity. Third is sustainability, as NatureBlitz and NatureX are linked to create a structure in which on-site restoration outcomes directly connect to ESG and TNFD reporting, providing practical value to both governments and companies.InvaLab is currently expanding its sales channels in the B2G market. It is securing initial references by participating in public projects such as wildfire-affected area restoration and the removal and management of ecosystem-disturbing plants. At the same time, in the B2B market, it carries out restoration projects linked to corporate ESG and carbon-neutral activities and provides ESG reporting indicators based on the activities and analyses.How did CEO Shin come to start the company? “While earning my Ph.D. in plant ecology and remote sensing, I conducted in-depth research in the field of ecological restoration. Through research and field experience, I directly felt that restoration work is highly site-dependent and labor-intensive. During this process, I developed the awareness that ‘without technology-based innovation, the limitations of ecological restoration will continue to repeat’, and I decided to start a company to solve this problem. I secured initial funding through government R&D projects, startup support programs, and early-stage investment, which allowed me to focus on technology development and prototype production.”InvaLab completed its Seed round investment in November 2024 and is currently pushing forward with technology advancement and market expansion, with the goal of attracting a Pre-A investment in the second half of 2026. The company especially plans to advance NatureX and enter the global ecological restoration analytics market in earnest, preparing expanded solutions that meet domestic and international ESG and TNFD needs.Since founding the company, CEO Shin said, “When I see the innovations I dreamed of becoming reality one by one as actual products and technologies—and when I experience that this process is not done alone but created together with team members who share the same vision—it is rewarding. There are many difficult moments, but in that process, I can feel both myself and the company growing.”Regarding future plans, he said, “Our goal is to build a system that enhances ecological restoration efficiency using scientific, evidence-based data on a global scale. A key point is enabling restoration outcomes to go beyond simple environmental value and become investable natural-capital assets such as carbon credits and biodiversity credits.”“Through this, restoration becomes an activity that allows investment and returns rather than a cost, and our ultimate vision is to create a sustainable ecological restoration ecosystem in which governments, companies, and investors all participate.”InvaLab was recognized for its items and selected for the University of Seoul Campus Town program. The Campus Town program is a project in which universities and local communities cooperate to support economic revitalization around university areas. Companies selected for the program receive benefits such as facility rental support, free access to shared office equipment, partial support for utility and facility operation costs, and designated office space or co-working space, along with various startup support programs.Founded: September 2023 Main business: Drone·AI·digital-twin–based nature ecosystem management; ESG·TNFD impact reporting solutions Achievements: 2023: Ministry of SMEs and Startups – Pre-Startup Package 2023: Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation – H-OnDream Startup Ground, 11th cohort 2024: Ministry of SMEs and Startups – University Startup Package (early-stage startup) 2024: Ministry of SMEs and Startups – TIPS Program 2024: LG Electronics / LG Chem – LG Social Campus, LG Social Fellow 14th cohort 2024: SKT – ESG Korea 2024 2024: Ministry of Science and ICT – GovTech Startup Competition (Grand Prize, 1st place) 2025: Korea Forest Service – Big Data & AI Startup Competition in the forestry sector (Grand Prize, 1st place)Source : https://chatgpt.com/c/691d6935-aa80-8324-9ab1-4e90f4f1f41f

On the 23rd, at the Gyemyeongsan Recreational Forest in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do — under the theme “Seeds of Hope, Forests Growing Anew.”At the Seed Ball Sowing Event held on the 23rd at Gyemyeongsan Recreational Forest in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Shim Sang-taek (fifth from the left), President of the Korea Arboretum and Garden Management Service, announces the opening ceremony while holding a watering can.[Herald Economy = Reporter Kwon-hyung Lee] The Korea Arboretum and Garden Management Service (President Shim Sang-taek), under the Korea Forest Service, held the “Seeds of Hope, Forests Growing Anew” seed ball sowing event on the 23rd at Gyemyeongsan Recreational Forest in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, in collaboration with the Korea Forest Service and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government.The event was organized to raise public awareness of the importance of forest ecosystem restoration and to promote a culture of ecological recovery.Around 200 participants—including representatives from the Korea Forest Service, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Andong City, the Korea Arboretum and Garden Management Service, wildfire response teams, and members of the public—joined the campaign to create and sow seed balls.Between August 29 and October 15, the Korea Arboretum and Garden Management Service, together with visitors to its affiliated arboreta, produced approximately 50,000 seed balls using acorns collected near wildfire-affected areas, including sawtooth oak (Quercus acutissima) and Mongolian oak (Quercus dentata) seeds.The program included a forest restoration video screening, a drone-based seed ball sowing demonstration by InvaLab, and a hands-on seed ball sowing session open to the public. The event stood out for delivering the message of forest recovery through both artistic and technological means.In addition, based on ESG collaboration with private companies, the initiative featured Black Yak’s “Top 10 Arboretum Visit Challenge,” where seed balls were accumulated through public participation, and a seed ball-making experience event supported by donations from employees of Junglim Architecture.Source:https://biz.heraldcorp.com/article/10600411?ref=naver

A Model-Based Integrated Drone and AI Ecological Restoration SolutionVisitors are attentively listening to the explanation of the solution.[Industry Daily] An ecological restoration solution that combines drones and AI (artificial intelligence) for natural environment management has been unveiled. Nature-tech startup InvaLab showcased its AI- and drone-based integrated ecological restoration solution at the 2nd Korea Social Value Festa. The event was held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 25th and 26th. The solution remotely surveys areas in need of ecological management using drones, focusing on wildfire-damaged sites and regions densely populated with invasive species. Data collected through infrared, LiDAR, and vision sensors mounted on the drones is then analyzed by AI to propose ecological restoration strategies.Seed Balls Exhibited by InvaLabIt also produces seed balls needed for restoration of damaged areas. This involves selecting native species and mixing soil suitable for the target site. The seed balls can be sown by drones, enabling coverage of about 0.5 hectares in just one hour.After restoration work, drones are deployed for periodic remote monitoring to diagnose the site and provide post-management reports.An InvaLab representative said, “Until now, ecological restoration has often relied on ad-hoc responses whenever abnormalities occurred. By establishing long-term, data-driven plans, we can reduce costs and improve management efficiency.”He added, “Using drones allows us to easily monitor rugged areas that are difficult for people to access. We are also developing a SaaS platform that applies Digital Twin technology to provide the ecological restoration process in 3D.”Publication Date: August 26, 2025 Source : https://kidd.co.kr/news/242969​

SK Telecom announced on the 25th that it has signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Yuhan-Kimberly to strengthen the implementation of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices.Through this agreement, the two companies will accelerate efforts for a sustainable future in various areas, including ▲forest restoration in wildfire-affected areas ▲resource circulation campaigns ▲and marketing collaboration.In particular, the two companies, in partnership with the global NGO “Forest for Peace,” will create new forests in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, which suffered severe damage from large-scale wildfires in March. Over the next five years, a total of 12,000 trees will be planted in the affected area.(From left) Eom Jong-hwan, Head of ESG Promotion at SKT, and Jeon Yang-sook, Head of the Sustainability Management Center at Yuhan-KimberlySK Telecom plans to combine its proprietary Vision AI technology with the expertise of the startup InvaLab to conduct drone-based surveys and AI-driven data analysis. Based on these efforts, the company will develop a scientific and efficient forest restoration model. In addition, a variety of tree species—including rare plants designated by the Korea Forest Service—will be planted to simultaneously promote biodiversity conservation and carbon reduction.Through Yuhan-Kimberly’s resource-circulation platform ByeCycle, SK Telecom will also recycle hand towels used in its offices, contributing to everyday waste reduction and the realization of a circular economy. Building on this initiative, the two companies will jointly carry out a range of resource-circulation campaigns.Furthermore, SK Telecom and Yuhan-Kimberly plan to design and operate joint marketing initiatives that connect SK Telecom’s services, such as T Membership and roaming, with Yuhan-Kimberly’s products. The two companies intend to pursue a long-term partnership that enhances ESG values while increasing customer satisfaction.Source : https://zdnet.co.kr/view/?no=20250925111455