[DataNet] Global accelerator SparkLabs announced the successful conclusion of the “KAIST vs. Seoul National University Startup Super Match,” co-hosted with the social enterprise Haengboknarae, KAIST Impact MBA, and the SNU Center for Startup Support.The Startup Super Match served as a stage to introduce startups striving to solve pressing social challenges through innovation to both investors and the public. The event was held as a special program of the nation’s largest social value festival, the 2025 Korea Social Value Festa.Adopting a head-to-head competition format, the event featured four startups nurtured by SparkLabs under the KAIST Impact MBA program and four startups from Seoul National University’s acceleration program, SNU BIG Scale-up. Each team took the stage to deliver IR pitches in front of the audience.Across four rounds of pitching, each startup presented its vision focusing on the social problems they aimed to solve, the uniqueness and scalability of their solutions, and their potential social impact. Panel judges—Kyunghee Choi, CEO of Sopoong Connect, and Taejoon Roh, Acting Partner at Primer—provided in-depth feedback and advice.Following the evaluations by judges and the audience, AP Green, which is developing an on-site clean hydrogen production system for customized power supply, was awarded the Grand Prize. The Excellence Award went to Perioneer, a developer of groundbreaking periodontal disease treatments. The Best Pitch Award, determined by audience votes, was given to Domino Effect, an education platform tailored for foreign caregivers. Based on the aggregated results of individual performances, Seoul National University was named the overall winning university team.In addition, the latter half of the event featured a special guest session with Booon, the winner of Japan’s Impact Shift social venture competition, who introduced its innovative model of recycling food waste into insect protein to the Korean audience.Judge Taejoon Roh, Acting Partner at Primer, remarked: “The startups on this stage are not only tackling social issues but also presenting highly competitive business models. Unlike the past, when social ventures were mostly focused on social value, I could clearly witness their evolution into enterprises encompassing economic value and global scalability.” Source: https://www.datanet.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=204813

｜Discussion on AI and Digital Twin-Based Utilization of Ecological Information… Expansion of Collaboration on Environmental Big Data PlatformsOn the 15th, at the main campus of the National Institute of Ecology in Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, participants including Oh Eun, Head of the Digital Transformation Promotion Division at K-water (fifth from the right in the photo), announced the hosting of the “2025 Ecological and Natural Data Analysis Technology Sharing and Utilization Seminar.” (Photo = K-water)[Construction Economy News] K-water held the “2025 Ecological and Natural Data Analysis Technology Sharing and Utilization Seminar” on the 15th at the main campus of the National Institute of Ecology in Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do. The event aimed to create new added value through the use of ecological and natural data and to promote the spread of digital convergence.This seminar, jointly hosted with the National Institute of Ecology, was the second event in K-water’s “Data Value Creation Series,” which began in 2024 and is based on the corporation’s “Environmental Big Data Platform.” The program focused on the current status of ecological and natural data production and analysis, as well as the potential for integration with cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins.At the event, K-water presented its aquatic ecosystem health assessment model and shared cases of ecological data being opened and applied in collaboration with industry. The National Institute of Ecology introduced strategies for climate-adaptive ecosystem management and aquatic ecosystem impact assessments based on ecological big data, highlighting data-driven approaches to environmental response.In addition, discussions actively covered AI-based ecological research outcomes, private service models incorporating digital technology, and ideas for cross-industry integration, helping to expand the scope of data utilization.Ryu Hyung-joo, Vice President of K-water, stated, “This seminar marks a turning point in re-emphasizing the value and applicability of ecological and natural data. We will continue to discover and release reliable data to contribute to the advancement of digital convergence technologies.”Meanwhile, K-water’s “Environmental Big Data Platform,” established in 2019 with the support of the Ministry of Science and ICT, is an open data-sharing platform. It collects and provides a wide range of environmental data—including biodiversity, climate, water, air quality, and energy—from 24 public, private, and academic institutions, including the National Institute of Ecology. To date, 1,149 datasets have been utilized more than 100,000 times, reflecting active engagement.In particular, the platform was awarded a commendation by the Minister of Science and ICT in December 2023, solidifying its position as a leading platform in the field of environmental data in Korea.Source:https://www.cenews.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=37846  

 Participants of the second session of Impact Salon pose for a group photo. / Photo = Korea Social Investment Eroun.net = Editor Soo-jin Lee The public interest foundation Korea Social Investment announced on the 16th that it held the second session of the "IMPACT SALON" for corporate CSR and ESG practitioners on the 9th at Front1 in Gongdeok-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. The event, under the theme “Finding Answers in Nature: Carbon Reduction and Biodiversity through Corporate Social Contribution,” shared how companies and startups can collaborate to implement Nature-based Solutions (NbS). ESG and CSR managers from 31 companies attended the event. The program included opening remarks by Lee Soon-yeol, CEO of Korea Social Investment, a keynote speech by Myung Soo-jung, Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Environment Institute, a case presentation from SK Innovation, and technology showcases from three startups: ThanksCarbon, InvaLab, and ForNatures. Myung Soo-jung, Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Environment Institute, emphasized that “Achieving both carbon neutrality and full biodiversity recovery by 2050—the ‘Nature Positive’ strategy—is becoming a global standard,” and added, “As TCFD expands to TNFD, companies are increasingly expected to disclose information related to natural capital.” She also suggested practical approaches tailored to the domestic context: “Globally, bee populations are disappearing, but urban areas are often more favorable environments for bees than rural ones. Urban beekeeping through the planting of nectar-producing plants or restoring disappearing wetlands are effective activities companies can start immediately.” A notable presentation came from a large corporation demonstrating structured biodiversity management. Seo-yeon Lee, PM at SK Innovation, introduced the company’s biodiversity management system at its Ulsan Complex using the globally recognized LEAP approach. She explained, “After a detailed survey of 9,819 individual birds across 106 species—including 15 nationally protected species in Ulsan—we created a habitat for raptors, which are top predators,” adding, “Creating an environment for umbrella species like raptors can restore entire ecosystems.” SK Innovation installed artificial nests and feeding stations over a 1,000㎡ area, and is currently tracking the movements of two rescued eagle owls using GPS to gather scientific evidence in real time. The most attention-grabbing part of the event was the innovative technologies presented by startups that already have collaborative records with large corporations. Hae-won Kim, CEO of ThanksCarbon, introduced a "digital MRV (Measurement, Reporting, Verification) technology that reduces methane emissions from Asia’s largest rice paddies using satellite data." He stated, “We are currently advancing a large-scale project covering 200,000 hectares in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Bangladesh.” He also shared a seagrass habitat restoration project in the Yeosu coastal area, which has been ongoing for four years in partnership with LG Chem. Won-hyeop Shin, CEO of InvaLab, presented a solution in response to the surge in wildfire damage this year. “The area affected by wildfires has more than doubled compared to last year, leading to a sharp increase in demand for restoration on steep slopes where human access is limited,” he explained. “Our key technology integrates drones and seed balls to analyze competitive dynamics with invasive species and construct the desired ecological structures.” Ho-rim Ryu, CEO of ForNatures, introduced a biological carbon capture system, stating, “Microalgae can capture more than five times the amount of carbon compared to forests in the same area, while also purifying the air.” He added that the solution is gaining attention as a response to the mandatory implementation of zero-energy buildings. Participants said, “It was valuable to learn about specific cases from potential collaborators,” and “We were introduced to innovative technologies that we hadn’t encountered in other programs.” During the networking session, many noted, “It was helpful to see various industries come together to share ESG challenges and seek practical solutions.” Lee Soon-yeol, CEO of Korea Social Investment, emphasized, “The core value of this event was to offer practical solutions that reflect both global trends and the Korean context in biodiversity,” and added, “We will continue to support ESG practitioners by serving as a platform that connects innovative startups with companies pursuing social value, while strengthening collaboration and field capabilities.” Meanwhile, Impact Salon is a bi-monthly program designed to enhance the field expertise of corporate ESG and CSR professionals and to foster collaboration opportunities. Each session is built around a key ESG or CSR topic and features expert lectures, corporate case studies, and networking sessions. Korea Social Investment is Korea’s leading ESG and CSR-focused impact public-interest organization. It plans and executes strategic social contribution and ESG initiatives for a sustainable future. Working with a global network of over 1,200 partners, it runs innovative ESG projects across climate change response, inclusive technology dissemination, and empowerment of youth, women, and seniors. From customized consulting and ESG startup investments to its proprietary ESG evaluation model ESG Plus, Korea Social Investment provides integrated solutions. It has established itself as a trusted ESG partner by transparently managing and reporting outcomes through a precise impact measurement system. Source : https://www.eroun.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=59602

 The event was organized as an opportunity to share the achievements of the Campus Town Project Group and to discuss future visions.The event began with an opening speech by Yong-Gul Won, President of the University of Seoul, followed by a presentation on the accomplishments of the Campus Town Project Group, awards for outstanding resident companies, and performance presentations by individual teams.In 2024, 70 teams residing in the University of Seoul Campus Town were evaluated through two rounds of screening and awarded in four categories: prospective entrepreneurship, research-based startups, tech startups, and social ventures. A total of five teams received the Grand Prize, and ten teams received the Excellence Award.The first-round screening used quantitative criteria such as investment attraction, selection for support programs, intellectual property achievements, space utilization rate, and program participation. The second round involved qualitative evaluation through interviews with company representatives, assessing business execution capacity, innovation, marketability, promotion, and engagement.The five teams awarded the Grand Prize were: FabricDuct (domestic alternative textile duct manufacturing), MarkNova (AI-based senior care service), AlpacaNetworks (DevOps infrastructure access platform), Bitnal Dental Studio (generative AI-based dental modeling solution), InvaLab (integrated invasive alien plant control solution). The ten teams awarded the Excellence Award were: D-Mate (automated e-book production service), Mollina (automated survey/interview analysis system), 2D-EP (next-gen AI semiconductor ultra-thin material manufacturing), TransBioLab (transparent neural electrodes and biosensors), Butler's Day (pet food analysis service “Banhae”), Hustlers (personalized brain training app), Rocksir (simple health-check bidet), BurnIt (fitness app “Burnfit”), CosmosLab (non-flammable, eco-friendly aqueous secondary battery), Limella (white spot concealing pencil). Notably, the five Grand Prize winners presented their business items and achievements during the event, sharing their passion for entrepreneurship and innovation.Lim-Pyung Lee, Director of the Campus Town Project Group at the University of Seoul, stated, "We are delighted to share the achievements of our resident companies through this event. We will continue to support their sustainable growth and contribute to revitalizing the startup ecosystem and local community." Since 2019, the University of Seoul Campus Town Project Group has been implementing the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Campus Town initiative, building a model of cooperation between universities and local communities for economic development.As of 2024, the program has selected 70 companies in its third phase and has supported a total of 205 companies to date.Source: https://www.enewstoday.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=2208250

The Web Summit 2025 Korea Pavilion features six startup booths.Vancouver, Canada - The Web Summit Vancouver 2025, one of North America's largest tech conferences, concluded successfully on May 30, attracting over 15,000 participants from 117 countries. The event, marking Vancouver's emergence as a new tech hub, showcased the vibrancy of global technological innovation with more than 1,100 startups from 64 nations participating.According to organizers, more than 1,100 startups from 64 countries participated, demonstrating the fervor of global technological innovation. Notably, over half of the participating startups were led by female entrepreneurs, reflecting the growing trend of diversity and inclusivity within the tech industry. The success of this event underscores Vancouver's emergence as a new tech hub in North America and reaffirms the global influence of the Web Summit.During the event, 50 trade delegations and 159 partners gathered to foster collaboration, while top investors and key media outlets attended numerous presentations and networking sessions. The conference explored a variety of topics, including AI ethics, gaming industry innovations, and smart energy. Particularly notable were speeches addressing the robust trend of global energy transition that has been gaining momentum since last year.In an exclusive interview, blockchain and startup investment expert Aly Madhavji highlighted Korea's potential for technological innovation. He suggested that the newly launched South Korean administration could enhance global competitiveness by adopting startup-friendly policies. He further emphasized that developed nations like the United States, Canada, and Europe are focusing on regulatory easing and creating business-friendly environments to secure their competitive edge.Gene Berdichevsky, co-founder and CEO of Sila Nanotechnologies, assessed the potential for change in the battery market with eco-friendly energy solutions aimed at improving the functionality of car and phone batteries. He proposed that innovations in silicon anode materials could potentially reduce battery costs and improve efficiency, offering clear advantages to hydrogen fuel cells.Web Summit Vancouver 2025 became the focal point of the global innovation community. During the event, 88 custom meetings were arranged, offering participants professional and efficient networking opportunities. Advanced AI software, Summit Engine, facilitated in-depth discussions across various fields, including healthcare, quantum computing, and emerging technologies.Web Summit Vancouver's Innovative Networking and Korean Startup Activities Invalab was officially designated as an Impact Startup at the Web Summit Vancouver 2025 and awarded the relevant mark.(Dae-Yeol Kim (left), PhD, CTO, and Won-hyeop Shin, PhD, CEO, at InvaLab)On site at the Korea Pavilion, jointly operated by KOTRA and the Gyeonggi-do Business & Science Accelerator (GBSA), Hyunsoo Choi, Head of KOTRA Vancouver, Manager John Cha, and Ki-hwa Hong, Director of the G-Invest Promotion Department at GBSA, held various side events, including the Korea-Canada Tech Startup Conference alongside six promising startups, exploring strategies for global market expansion.With the launch of a new administration approaching, South Korea should have utilized this opportunity to showcase innovative technologies from a wider range of companies in order to raise its profile in the technology ecosystem.The startups showcased future-oriented technologies such as AI-based SaaS, health tech, clean tech, green tech, and clinical trial solutions, emphasizing the global competitiveness and innovative capacity of Korean tech companies.For instance, the leader in clinical trial innovation, MediIPlus, presented its AI platform, FiCRO, which streamlines the process for pharmaceutical companies and bio startups to find contract research organizations (CRO). By evaluating information on over 29,700 CROs, it cuts costs and time by up to 80%, adapting to the changing global clinical trial environment.Neurabody is accelerating its global reach with AI and sensor-fused spinal health solutions, offering personalized feedback through smart shirts and lumbar supports. Winner of multiple awards, this system aims to achieve annual revenue exceeding $100 million.Gayun, a generative AI content platform supporting 160 languages, facilitates fast and cost-effective image and video production targeting the e-commerce and digital marketing sectors. Aiming for an IPO in 2028, it projects sales of 149 trillion won and 500,000 active users by 2027.Invalab was officially designated as an Impact Startup at the Web Summit Vancouver 2025 and awarded the relevant mark. The company is a bio-solution enterprise that combines drone-based ecological restoration technology with AI-driven biodiversity analysis. It offers a platform that fully automates the process from plant detection in damaged areas to seed ball deployment. Actively involved in numerous carbon-neutral and ESG restoration projects, Invalab is accelerating its entry into the global environmental market, as highlighted by its selection as an Impact Startup at the Web Summit.AwesomeLab is contributing to environmental and energy savings with its eco-friendly water heating technology. During the Web Summit Vancouver event, Martin Kim, CEO of AwesomeLab, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Alvaro Gil Loureiro, CFO of BC Hydro, a Canadian public energy corporation in British Columbia. Additionally, Refundy provides AI-automated refund solutions for global sellers.In the global technology ecosystem, Korean startups are making a strong presence on the worldwide stage through their innovative technology and market entry strategies. Companies participating in this event are accelerating their global network expansion with the attention of investors and partners from various regions, including Canada, North America, Europe, and Asia.This Web Summit marked a pivotal moment, transitioning beyond mere technology showcases to becoming a cornerstone of the global startup ecosystem. Korean startups are gaining significant recognition on the international stage, poised for promising growth.The stature of South Korea in the global tech ecosystem continues to grow. As such, Korean startups are equipped with technological capabilities and market penetration strategies and are making a full-scale push into the global arena. The companies participating in this event are attracting the attention of investors and partners from various regions, including Canada, North America, Europe, and Asia, thereby expanding their global networks.We hope that this event will provide Korean startups with an opportunity to showcase their capabilities and vision on the international stage, demonstrating their potential for future growth.Source : Korea IT Times(https://www.koreaittimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=141958) 

                 Seed balls developed by InvaLabAmid a series of recent wildfires, a young startup is drawing attention for its participation in ecosystem restoration using innovative technology.Shin Wonhyeop, CEO of the ecological restoration startup InvaLab, is leading a project to rehabilitate areas damaged by the wildfires that occurred in Inje County, Gangwon Province, and Uljin County, North Gyeongsang Province in 2022. The project was launched last summer, and the full-scale restoration is now underway by inspecting the condition of seed balls—clusters of seeds wrapped in nutrient-rich soil—that were dispersed on-site using drones.InvaLab plays a comprehensive role in vegetation recovery, from mosses to herbaceous and woody plants, by analyzing spatial data collected through drone-based remote sensing and integrating it with artificial intelligence (AI). The startup boasts over 90% accuracy in real-world detection and growth prediction technologies based on precise indicators. This approach complements previous efforts by local governments that often failed despite planting many seedlings, thus helping to save budget. To support this, dozens of flower pots with various soil conditions were observed in a greenhouse atop a building at Seoul National University’s College of Natural Sciences, where seed ball growth experiments were underway. The vitality of green shoots sprouting even from barren sandy soil was remarkable.In an interview at InvaLab's office within the Seoul National University Startup Support Center, CEO Shin said, "The recent wildfires in Gangwon Province caused damage twice as extensive as three years ago, meaning the budget required will more than double." He added, "We are developing our own engine to address the issue more rapidly by integrating 360-degree LiDAR sensors with geographic information systems (GIS)." After earning a master's degree in Plant Ecology and a Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture from Seoul National University, CEO Shin chose to launch a startup. "During my college years, I was captivated by the view of our land from an airplane, which inspired me to contribute to the preservation of natural ecosystems," he said. "My goal is to establish an integrated solution for Korea’s ecosystems, which are severely affected by invasive alien species."Initially, the focus will be on the intensive management of key invasive plants, while also working to preserve highly valuable native species such as the Korean fir. Shin explained, “Within just ten years of invasive plant incursion, up to 90% of native species can disappear, indicating the severity of the threat.” He added, “We plan to actively collaborate not only with government agencies but also with private companies that are interested in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) activities, in order to understand Korea's unique topography and develop proper ecological restoration plans and strategies.”In partnership with the National Institute of Ecology, InvaLab is measuring the carbon absorption of plants through 3D scanning in areas like Namsan and Gyeryongsan. By working with drone companies to collect data and apply super-resolution techniques, the efficiency of data processing has significantly increased—tasks that used to take a full day can now be completed in just 30 minutes.

Reharvest, a food upcycling company, and Invalab, an ecological restoration startup, announced on the 22nd that they have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU). The agreement aims to restore ecosy

Hana Financial Group Successfully Hosts 『Hana ESG Double Impact Matching Fund』 Demo DayHana Financial Group (Chairman Ham Young-joo) announced that it successfully held the 『Hana ESG Double Impact Matching Fund』 Demo Day on the

GovTech Companies Foster Public Service Innovation: A Festival for Collaboration and Future Export Industry ProspectsA festival celebrating GovTech companies, which drive public service innovation through citizen-led initiatives, was held for

While startups that care for the planet are emerging one after another, technology companies in the field of "ecological industry"—especially "ecological restoration"—are extremely rare. InvaLab is making waves. InvaLab focuses on invasive alien plants. Invasive species are defined as "organisms that have been introduced—either artificially or naturally—from abroad and disrupt or are likely to disrupt the balance of the ecosystem." InvaLab diagnoses target sites using drone-based monitoring to quantify and ensure the continuity of natural management. It then conducts seeding services by mounting thousands of seed balls on drones. The seed balls developed by InvaLab are small, fingertip-sized spheres made by mixing native seeds with customized nutrient-rich soil.We met with InvaLab’s founder and CEO, Wonhyeop Shin.In 2023, InvaLab obtained certifications as a social venture and venture company. It was selected for the Pre-Startup Package from the Korea Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Social Venture Competition, Gyeonggi Social Impact Challenge, and won the top prize in the Startup Hackathon Competition. It was also selected for Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation's "H-OnDream Startup Ground," Seoul National University's Lab-Based Startup Program, and KOICA’s CTS Seed program. InvaLab is currently conducting a collaboration project with the Korea Institute of Marine Science & Technology Promotion (KIMST) and SK Innovation and has secured investment from the Yuhan-Kimberly Green Impact Fund.Top-level Technology and Shared ValuesCEO Wonhyeop Shin earned a Master’s degree in Plant Ecology and a Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture from Seoul National University. He previously worked with UNDP and UNEP. Realizing that humanity, facing biodiversity loss and depopulation due to climate change, needs specialized technology-driven companies, he started gathering people who share his values and aspirations.CTO Daeyeol Kim holds a Master’s in Environmental Design from Seoul National University and worked at the Institute for Sustainable Development and the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources. He won the Minister of Environment Award in the National Environmental Big Data Competition. CFO Yanghyun Lee holds a Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture from Seoul National University and led R&D projects at the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute, Forest Cooperatives in Vietnam, National Institute of Biological Resources, and Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute. COO Taejun Lee holds a Ph.D. in Technology Management, Economics, and Policy from Seoul National University and has received awards from the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport for ESG and smart city innovation.They are now focusing on developing solutions for biological invasions. Their services are designed to add quantification and sustainability to natural environment management by applying the principle of plant competition with minimal human labor. They are also advancing biological control using seed-based strategies and improving monitoring techniques using spectroscopic sensors and LiDAR.Founded in 2023, InvaLab is a startup offering solutions to eradicate invasive plant species using seed balls.Plants Rank First in Spread SeverityGlobally, damage and management costs caused by invasive plants have reached $12.88 billion (₩14.5 trillion) since 1970, a figure believed to be underestimated due to data gaps. According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the global market impact of invasive alien species surged from ₩400 billion in 1970 to ₩423 trillion in 2021. The number of invasive species is expected to increase from 33,170 in 2005 to 45,100 by 2050, and the associated economic losses and management costs are expected to grow exponentially.Among invasive mammals, invertebrates, fish, and plants, plants rank first in spread severity. Invasive plants can cause reduced crop yields, allergic reactions, disease outbreaks, livestock avoidance and digestive issues, and damage or destruction to native plant habitats. Seventeen invasive plant species are officially recognized in Korea. Crop yields for corn, soybeans, and ginseng have decreased by up to 53%, and the financial losses, including management costs, are significant. Non-monetary values like national biodiversity are estimated at ₩10.2 trillion.Developments in transportation and trade—airports, seaports—have helped promote global exchange and economic activity, but have also led to the unintended introduction of alien species. While not all alien species are harmful, many have been reported to disrupt ecosystems by invading habitats and reducing native flora and fauna populations.Seed Balls Made from Species More Competitive Than Invasive PlantsInvasive species are organisms that have dispersed from their original habitat and thrive in new environments, competing with native species and causing biodiversity loss and ecological, economic damage. Traditionally, invasive plants have been removed through simple, physical methods such as pulling or cutting, which are repetitive and labor-intensive. Biological control using plant competition is a promising alternative but requires time-consuming experimental validation and repetitive labor for similar trials.InvaLab offers services that can reduce such labor.