Startups from Korea participate in MassRobotics immersion program

By The Robot Report Staff | October 11, 2024

MassRobotics recently welcomed 10 startups from South Korea for an intensive, weeklong International Immersion Program, in partnership with the KAIST Global Commercialization Center, or GCC.

Designed to help international startups expand their operations into the U.S., the program offered an opportunity for Korean entrepreneurs to connect with Boston’s robotics ecosystem, gain insights into the U.S. market, and build strategic networks for future growth.

Program bridges innovation from Korea to Boston

As part of its mission to foster global innovation, MassRobotics planned a curriculum tailored to the needs of the startups affiliated with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST). All of them had already raised venture capital funding and developed working prototypes.

The program’s core focus was to prepare the startups for a successful U.S. launch, by covering key topics crucial to their growth, including:

1. Understanding U.S. legal structure: Startups learned the intricacies of navigating U.S. corporate laws, intellectual property, and regulatory requirements to ensure a smooth entry into the American market.
2. Sourcing POCs with U.S. companies: The startups were introduced to strategies for identifying and working with U.S. companies to develop proof-of-concept (POC) partnerships. These collaborations can help Korean startups demonstrate their technology’s value and build local credibility.
3. U.S. market-entry strategy: Experts provided insights on market trends, customer acquisition, and competitive analysis, arming startups with the knowledge to develop a tailored strategy for entering the U.S. market.
4. Fundraising: Participants gained exposure to U.S. venture capital expectations and best practices for securing additional funding as they scale their businesses stateside.

Cohort from Korea represents a range of innovations

The Korean startups represented a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, from autonomous drones to AI-driven robotics and logistics solutions. The participating companies included:

• Morphing I: It offers the AI-driven MorphingBot, Long-range, small-pipe inspections with precise GIS data and leak prediction.
• Narma: The spinoff of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) has commercialized an electric dual tiltrotor drone, focusing on long-distance and high-altitude flights.
• DAIM Research: This startup is pioneering autonomous manufacturing with AI and digital twin technologies.
• Hurotics: A maker of AI-based wearable robots, specializing in modular designs that offer customized gait assistance and rehabilitation treatment for wearers.
• ArgosVision: Provides panoramic 3D vision AI for robots and mobility, enhancing robot intelligence with a human-like wide field of view.
• DOGU: Making the world safer with ASR (AI-powered Safety Robot), DOGU specializes in autonomous systems for both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Floatic: This company has developed an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) for e-commerce warehouse automation and “a future that expands temporal boundaries.”
• EasternGear: Putting efficiency into motion, EPG designs and manufactures next-generation transmissions for high-tech industries.
• Speedfloor: SpeedFloor automates cargo handling for specialized vehicles, boosting transport efficiency.
• L-line: This startup said it’s leading AMR and e-mobility industry innovation through global engineering.

Startups in the program had the opportunity to pitch to several mentors as well as to the MassRobotics residents followed by a networking event.

Startups build global connections for long-term success

The week-long program included not only educational sessions but also networking opportunities with Boston’s robotics professionals, venture capitalists, and business leaders, said MassRobotics. These connections are vital for startups seeking to establish a U.S. presence, build partnerships, and scale operations, according to the organization.

The group had the opportunity to meet Boston Dynamics and Vecna Robotics and discussed how to grow a business here in the U.S. from first hand experienced leaders. The visitors from Korea also received technology demonstrations from these robotics leaders. 

Startups look ahead to next steps

By the end of the week, the participating startups returned to Korea with a clearer vision for their U.S. expansion plans and a network of contacts to help them achieve their goals, according to MassRobotics. It said programs like this one will play an increasingly vital role in bridging the Boston and global robotics ecosystems and in shaping the future of robotics technology worldwide.

MassRobotics also recently hosted RoboBoston 2024, which featured more than 400 students on STEM Day and over 6,500 attendees for its annual Robot Block Party in Boston’s Seaport District.

Editor’s note: Next week at RoboBusiness in Santa Clara, Calif., MassRobotics will be hosting a two-part Robotics Startup Bootcamp. Joyce Sidopoulos, co-founder and chief of operations at MassRobotics, will also be speaking at the ticketed Women in Robotics Luncheon.

Register now.