RISE Division Successfully Hosts

“Soulmate Pioneers Global Startup Competition”

- Participation from 15 universities in Korea and abroad, opening a platform for global startup collaboration through AI-based innovative business models

- Collaboration project with Kakao Mobility strengthens practical competencies and promises follow-up support for global market entry

The RISE Division successfully held the finals and awards ceremony of the “AI+X Global Startup Competition – Soulmate Pioneers” on Friday, January 30, at the Cho Byeong-du International Hall of the 600th Anniversary Hall on the Humanities and Social Sciences Campus.

This event was a global startup program hosted and organized by the RISE Division and implemented as part of the Seoul RISE initiative. It was designed with the goal of creating new value by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into various industrial sectors (AI+X). A total of 15 teams—10 from domestic universities and five from overseas universities—participated, competing with innovative startup ideas.

In particular, teams from leading universities across Asia participated, including Singapore Management University (SMU) in Singapore, Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) and Foreign Trade University (FTU) in Vietnam, Joshibi University of Art and Design in Japan, and Silpakorn University in Thailand, making the competition a venue for cross-border technological exchange. Students drew significant attention by presenting creative business models that leverage AI technologies to solve real-life problems or enhance efficiency in industrial settings.

At the opening ceremony, Jang Hyun Kim, Director of the Seoul RISE Global Innovation Center, delivered a welcome address, stating, “Soulmate Pioneers is a meaningful occasion to share the values of global innovation and collaboration beyond borders and cultures.” He added, “I hope this will serve as an opportunity for creative talents who will lead future society to grow within the Seoul RISE innovation ecosystem, where universities, local communities, and industries are organically connected.”

This competition was conducted as a collaborative project between the RISE Division and Kakao Mobility, and was positively evaluated for strengthening practical linkages with the private sector. It holds particular significance as it presents a model case for fostering a global startup ecosystem through the combination of university research capabilities and corporate operational infrastructure.

After fierce competition, the first prize (Grand Prize) was awarded to SKKU’s “SL:IT” team for proposing an innovative AI development solution. Second place went to “roAmigo,” a joint team from Yonsei University and Seoul National University, while third place was claimed by “VIETMEDX³” from Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Vietnam.

Seungho Chae, Executive Director of Nextrans and chair of the judging panel, commented, “It is highly meaningful in itself that global student startup teams gathered in Seoul to present innovative ideas that integrate AI technologies into industry,” adding, “I would like to actively support them so that they can advance into the global market in the future.”

The RISE Division plans to provide continuous mentoring and follow-up support to the outstanding startup teams identified through this competition, rather than limiting support to one-time awards. In particular, for teams seeking to enter overseas markets, the University plans to support their successful local market entry through its global network and partner institutions.