20 special zone firms target Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan markets

Deep tech and biotech companies from South Korea's research and development special zones are set to meet investors from Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan to attract overseas funding and break into Asian markets.

The Korea Research and Development Special Zone Foundation said it held the R&D Special Zone Asia Investment Demo Day on Wednesday at Front1 in Seoul, an event designed to help special zone companies expand into Asian markets and secure overseas investment and partnerships.

About 30 organizations and companies took part, including 20 special zone firms with strong technology credentials and follow-on investment potential, six investment firms from Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan, local proof-of-concept specialists and domestic investors.

The event focused on verifying the overseas commercialization potential of technologies held by special zone companies and connecting them with actual investment opportunities and local proof-of-concept trials.

IR pitching sessions were divided into deep tech and biotech tracks, with 10 companies participating in each. Firms presented their technologies, business models and overseas expansion strategies, while investors reviewed each company's investment potential and offered feedback.

One-on-one business meetups followed, pairing companies' technology and business areas with investors' areas of expertise and interest to discuss specific investment and cooperation plans.

The foundation said it plans to go beyond a one-off investor briefing by turning the investment and cooperation interest identified at the event into tangible results. It will support follow-up meetings between domestic and overseas investors and companies, and pursue a proof-of-concept program to verify technologies and business viability in overseas markets.

"We will expand the points of contact between global investors and special zone companies, and strengthen a support framework that connects everything from investment review and local proof-of-concept trials to follow-on investment and global expansion," said Jeong Hui-gwon, chairman of the foundation.