The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI) will host the "Korea-Germany Connect: AI Startup Pitching Challenge 2026" to help domestic AI startups break into the German and European markets.
KGCCI announced Sunday that the event will take place July 15 at the Korea International Trade Association's Startup Branch at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul. Infineon Technologies is sponsoring the event, with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) serving as a partner.
The competition is part of KGCCI's startup support program, KG Connect (Korea-Germany Connect), designed to link Korean AI startups with German and European business networks and expand their opportunities to enter overseas markets.
Five selected startups will advance to the final round, where they will present their technology and business models before an international panel of judges. The panel will include representatives from the German Embassy in Seoul, KITA, Infineon Technologies, Aumovio Korea, Mercedes-Benz Korea and Korea Herald.
Startups will be evaluated on a range of criteria, including technological capability and innovation, market potential, suitability for the German and European markets, sustainability of their revenue model, potential for collaboration with global companies, and team competency.
The winner will earn a live pitching slot on the main stage of the 19th Asia-Pacific German Business Conference (APK 2026), to be held in Seoul from Oct. 29 to Oct. 31. The conference is expected to draw around 1,000 senior figures from business, government and academia across Asia and Germany, including the German chancellor and the federal minister for economic affairs and energy, making it one of the most influential platforms for German business engagement.
The winning startup will also be invited to a private networking program held during the conference, providing access to top executives and investors from Germany and the Asia-Pacific region. All five finalists will receive a one-year complimentary KGCCI membership and invitations to key events.
Marie Antonia von Schönburg, chief representative of KGCCI, said the challenge is "more than a startup competition — it is a gateway to APK 2026." She added that the event aims to spotlight the innovative capabilities of Korean AI startups and strengthen ties between the Korean and German business communities.
The competition is expected to serve as a springboard for Korean startups looking to explore entry into the European market through Germany.
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