Indian Startups Invited to COMEUP 2025 in South Korea

In a world where innovation defines progress, a new global stage is opening up for India’s startup ecosystem. South Korea’s flagship global startup festival — COMEUP 2025 — is calling Indian entrepreneurs to step into the international spotlight and showcase their innovation to the world.

Scheduled to be held from December 10 to 12, 2025, at COEX Hall B in Seoul, COMEUP 2025 is much more than just a startup event — it’s a celebration of ideas, collaboration, and the future of global entrepreneurship. Organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), Republic of Korea, the festival stands as Asia’s answer to global innovation hubs like CES or Web Summit — bringing together founders, investors, corporates, and policymakers from across the world.

For India’s fast-growing startup ecosystem, this is an opportunity to not only be seen but to be heard — to share stories of innovation that are shaping the new India.

COMEUP 2025

Since its inception, COMEUP has grown into one of Asia’s most influential startup-led gatherings — a platform that puts entrepreneurs, not corporations, at the heart of the conversation. The three-day event will see over 1,000 startups and 20,000 participants, including global investors, venture capitalists, and business leaders who are constantly scouting for the next big idea.

For startups ready to dream beyond borders, COMEUP offers several high-impact platforms:

• Startup Valley Pitch Sessions: A chance to pitch your innovation before global investors, VCs, and corporate decision-makers.

• Future Talk & OI Ground: Engage in thought-provoking discussions with some of the world’s top innovation thinkers, industry pioneers, and policymakers.

• COMEUP Stars Program: A reimagined global accelerator initiative that offers tailored mentorship, investor matchmaking, and business expansion opportunities for startups eyeing international markets.

This year’s theme, “Where Innovation Meets the World,” captures the festival’s spirit perfectly — a melting pot where technology, entrepreneurship, and global ambition converge. COMEUP serves as a powerful bridge connecting startups from India, Korea, Japan, China, the U.S., and Europe, opening doors to cross-border collaboration and market access.

A Golden Chance for Indian Founders

For Indian startups, participation in COMEUP 2025 means much more than visibility — it’s about building real connections in one of Asia’s most advanced startup and deep-tech ecosystems. South Korea, known for its tech-led economy and innovation-driven growth, offers fertile ground for partnerships in fields like AI, fintech, robotics, clean tech, and beyond.

Indian startups have been invited to apply for the India Delegation, an exclusive cohort that will represent the country’s entrepreneurial spirit at the global festival.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be DPIIT-recognized.

• Delegates should hold a valid passport (travel and accommodation costs to be borne by startups).

• Open to all sectors — the initiative is entirely sector-agnostic.

• Startups must demonstrate a clear vision for expansion into Korean or Asia-Pacific markets.

The last date to apply is November 5, 2025, making it a tight but golden window for Indian founders aiming to gain global traction.

Bridging Borders Through Innovation

COMEUP 2025 isn’t just another event — it’s a convergence of visionaries determined to shape the future of global business. Co-organized by the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED), Korea Startup Forum, Korea Venture Business Association, and Korea Venture Capital Association, the festival promises unparalleled access to Asia’s top investors, policymakers, and corporate innovators.

For India, which now ranks among the top three startup ecosystems globally, this participation holds immense significance. It’s a statement that Indian innovation is ready to lead conversations on the global stage — not just as a participant, but as a driver of the next wave of technological transformation.

As the world looks eastward for the next wave of innovation, COMEUP 2025 serves as a symbolic and strategic opportunity for Indian startups to integrate deeper into the Asia-Pacific innovation corridor. It’s a space where ideas travel fast, partnerships form naturally, and the next big unicorn could very well be born.

For startups looking to step beyond borders and onto the world stage, COMEUP 2025 could be the perfect launchpad.

Event Details:

• Dates: December 10–12, 2025
• Venue: COEX Hall B, Seoul, South Korea
• Last Date to Apply: November 5, 2025