20 Korean Startups Target Asia Expansion at AFPRO 2026 Demo Day

Selected from nearly 60 applicants, the 2026 GMEP cohort represents more than 50 patents and eight Agrifood Tech sectors

SEOUL, 16 July 2026 — Twenty Korean startups pitched their Asia expansion plans at the Global MarketExpansion Program (GMEP) Demo Day held at COEX Hall C, Seoul, during AFPRO 2026, one of Korea's leading Agrifood Tech expos.

The 2026 GMEP cohort was selected from nearly 60 applicants and brings together a strong group of Korean founders across eight Agrifood Tech sectors. Collectively, the startups hold more than 50 patents and range from pre-seed to Series A stage.

Commissioned by KISED and KOAT, the Korea Agriculture Technology Promotion Agency, and operated by Singapore-based Innovate360, GMEP supports Korean startups in preparing for overseas expansion through investor access, business matching, market insights, ecosystem immersion and regional partnership development.

More than 20 investors, distributors, corporate partners and ecosystem stakeholders attended the Demo Day, which featured startup pitches, keynote remarks, a panel discussion and a private networking session.

John Cheng, Founder and CEO of Innovate360, said the program reflects the growing opportunity for Korean startups to use Singapore as a launchpad for wider expansion across Asia.

"Korea is known for its world-class technology, engineering talent and entrepreneurial spirit," said Cheng. "Singapore may be a small country, but it has always been a strong platform for companies to test, refine and scale before expanding across Southeast Asia. Through GMEP, we want to help Korean founders understand each market, build the right partnerships, avoid costly mistakes and scale confidently across Asia."

This year's cohort includes serial entrepreneurs, researchers commercialising deep technologies, AI startups already serving global customers, and innovative Agrifood Tech, food innovation, retail technology, sustainability and K-beauty companies preparing to expand beyond Korea.

The program also featured a panel discussion on overseas expansion strategies and regional opportunities for Korean startups. The panel was moderated by Youngeun Han from KOAT, with panellists Syafiq Johari of The Garrison, Yohan Min of Dosigotgan, and Jeff Jaeho Lee of Green Wave Solution.

Startups pitched to a judging panel across two sessions. Session 1 judges were Wan Rim (CEO, Excel Investment), Kyle Kim (Director of Global Business & Investment, Darae Strategy & Business Center), Syafiq Johari (Head of Investments, The Garrison) and Shim Hoon (Chief Manager, KOAT). Session 2 judges were Manuel Jauschnig (Founder, MRJ Ventures), Dr Allan Lim (Head of Open Innovation, Nestlé R&D Center Pte Ltd), Rancho Lee (CEO, Simsan Ventures) and Sunhyun Kim (Managing Director, S&S Lab).

Following the startup pitches and panel discussion, founders joined a private networking session with investors, distributors and corporate partners to explore potential collaborations, investment opportunities and market access partnerships.

Since 2023, Innovate360 has worked with more than 50 Korean startups through GMEP. The 2026 program builds on the success of the 2025 cohort, which completed 45 workshops, participated in three major exhibitions — Techsauce in Thailand, AFPRO in South Korea and Taiwan Smart Agriweek — and conducted market visits across Singapore, the Netherlands and Thailand.

By the end of the 12-week 2025 program, the cohort had generated more than 70 invited business connections, signed over 30 MOUs and opened five investment conversations.

Innovate360 has now supported more than 300 startups across Asia. Its ecosystem combines accelerator programs, venture investment, innovation facilities and market access support to help startups expand internationally.

The 2026 GMEP cohort will continue its program through Singapore, Taipei and Shanghai, where participating startups will meet investors, distributors, corporates, government agencies and market expansion experts.

"It is not just about getting investments," Cheng added. "It is about building relationships, finding customers, meeting future partners and opening doors that could shape the future of each company. Whether today leads to funding, a first overseas customer or one meaningful conversation, we hope this marks the beginning of each founder's international journey."