Eleven Korean Startups Making Waves in ASEAN and Oceania Markets
The digital landscape is rapidly evolving, and nothing showcases this more vibrant energy than the eleven high-potential startups from South Korea that recently participated in the 2025 Korea IT Cooperation Center (KICC) ICT Growth Program. Companies like BRYTN, CUBIG, Enhans, Hudson AI, Infofla, MTS Company, Sierra BASE, Glorang, NationA, Norma, and Bigwave Robotics are stepping into the limelight, bringing cutting-edge technologies designed to meet the demands of the ASEAN and Oceania markets.
KICC ICT Growth Program Overview
The 2025 KICC ICT Growth Program serves as a pivotal platform for these Korean startups. Funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT and managed by KICC in Singapore, in collaboration with Plug and Play, the program aims to equip budding enterprises with mentorship, market entry strategies, and invaluable networking opportunities. During the program, these startups showcased their innovations at a Demo Day, co-hosted with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), as part of the Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology (SWITCH) 2025.
The program kicked off with a one-week market immersion in Singapore from October 23-31. It included attendance at the Plug and Play APAC Summit, where startups engaged in business matching and met with local investors, fine-tuning their pitches and honing their understanding of the regional market. This immersive approach also encapsulated future business excursions to Jakarta and Sydney, allowing companies to weave deeper connections within the broader ASEAN and Oceania tech ecosystems.
Spotlight on Participating Startups
Of the eleven startups in the program, each reflects a unique facet of innovation within various sectors, including ICT, AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and digital education.
Norma Inc. stands out as a pioneer in quantum computing solutions, aiming to reshape how data is processed. Hudson AI focuses on delivering cinematic-grade AI dubbing technology, enhancing audio experiences for digital content. Meanwhile, Enhans develops AI Agents that automate workflows by utilizing a Data–Logic–Action framework, revolutionizing productivity across various business sectors. Sierra BASE is not left behind, providing 3D modeling and autonomous inspection solutions powered by drones and AI.
Each startup underwent a rigorous evaluation process to secure their position in this transformative program, reflecting KICC’s commitment to fostering innovative talent.
Program Activities and Market Immersion
The activities during the KICC ICT Growth Program were not merely superficial; they were highly strategic. The one-week market immersion in Singapore was designed to maximize interaction and learning. Participants attended workshops, participated in business matching sessions, and engaged directly with local investors and industry stakeholders to grasp the nuances of doing business in the region.
Culminating in the Demo Day, the event served as a dynamic platform for the participating startups to present their innovative solutions and forge vital partnerships. Companies like Bigwave Robotics showcased their unique focus on Robotics as a Service (RaaS), illustrating how technology can meet evolving consumer demands head-on.
By establishing KICC Singapore as a strategic hub in 2014, the aim has been to facilitate business opportunities and partnerships between South Korean firms and entities across ASEAN countries. This initiative is a testament to the dedication to open innovation and digital transformation.
Regional Expansion and Collaboration
The overarching goal of the 2025 KICC ICT Growth Program lies in the ambitious expansion plans of these eleven startups into the burgeoning markets of ASEAN and Oceania. Beyond Singapore, business immersion activities in Jakarta and Sydney represent strategic efforts to solidify a presence in these vital markets.
With standout startups like Hudson AI, which specializes in audio intelligence, and Bigwave Robotics, focusing on innovative robotic solutions, the initiative is designed to nurture cross-border collaboration and further strengthen the regional tech ecosystem.
Additional remarks by Mr. Yum Changyeol, Head of KICC Singapore, indicate that the strategic focus is on shaping these participating companies into potential "unicorns" based on their validated experiences and connections in Singapore, Australia, and Indonesia. This ambition is supported by the rigorous process that participants must navigate to reach this level of readiness.
The 2025 KICC ICT Growth Program exemplifies the fusion of Korean innovation with global market needs, providing a much-needed bridge for tech startups eager to explore and enter new territories. The active partnerships and expanded networking opportunities created through this initiative signify a monumental step forward in redefining the landscape of technology and innovation across Asia and beyond.
