K-Startup Sweeps 'CES 2023' Innovation Awards... 48 Winners Supported by KOTRA

34 Companies Awarded... 'SW·Mobile Apps' and 'Digital Healthcare' Lead with 10 Each

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Thirty-four Korean startups were recognized for their innovation capabilities at the world's largest electronics exhibition, the 'International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023,' winning a total of 48 awards. This is five more companies receiving innovation awards compared to last year.

On the 17th, KOTRA announced that 34 Korean startups achieved this result. The awards were given by the U.S. Consumer Technology Association (CTA) to products launched for the first time that year, recognizing outstanding technology, design, and innovation.

A CEO of an AI Medtech startup who won four CES 2023 Innovation Awards said, "This award is proof that Korea is advancing as a Medtech powerhouse," adding, "Thanks to learning the innovation award strategies and know-how through KOTRA, we were able to receive the award."

The CES 2023 Innovation Award application categories included 16 fields such as software & mobile apps, digital health, and home appliances. Among them, Korean startups won 10 awards each in the software & mobile apps and digital health categories. In the digital health category, products such as an AI skin analysis system, AI ultrasound endoscopy image analysis solution, and smart growth management solution received awards. In the software & mobile apps category, products like an AI 3D audio solution, interactive virtual human, and AI gaze tracking solution were awarded.

KOTRA stated that since COVID-19, the characteristics of CES Innovation Award-winning products include 'healthcare' and 'Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT).' The fact that 21 products (about 44%) among the awardees were healthcare products is evidence of this. KOTRA also explained that most of the awarded products were confirmed to be in the AIoT form, combining artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.

Yoo Jung-yeol, President of KOTRA, said, "Winning the CES Innovation Award with products and technologies launched for the first time in the global market proves the competitiveness of Korean startups in the world market," adding, "We will actively support startups to secure credible references and utilize them for overseas expansion."

KOTRA announced that it started an award support project last year to help startups build overseas references. The CEO of AI pet biometric recognition startup B, which won the CES Best Innovation Award with KOTRA's support last year, said, "Overseas expansion plans that were intended to be carried out over several years are now being promoted in a short period thanks to the effect of the CES Innovation Award." This company successfully raised 4.7 billion KRW in Series A funding last July.

A KOTRA official said, "In the future, we plan to support follow-up marketing such as promotional video production, Lotte Hi-Mart sales promotions, and online consultations with overseas partners for companies that have won innovation awards."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.