A startup developing artificial intelligence technology to detect fall risks before an accident won the top prize at Seoul’s second startup competition for foreign entrepreneurs, earning cash and points toward a technology startup visa.
NeuroDetectYO, led by a Ukrainian entrepreneur, took first place at “Jump Up, Start Up 2026,” held Wednesday at the Seoul Global Center, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Friday. The startup is developing AI-based fall-risk detection technology and wearable safety solutions.
Second place went to FlixFluent, led by a German entrepreneur, for an AI-powered Chrome extension that helps users learn foreign languages while watching streaming content.
Dots, led by an entrepreneur from Uruguay, placed third with a solution that uses AI to connect Korean startups with experts to support their expansion into Latin America.
The three teams will receive 2 million won, 1 million won and 700,000 won ($1,470, $740 and $520), respectively.
The awards also come with support for establishing businesses in Korea and earning points toward the D-8-4 technology startup visa.
The top-prize winner will receive an Oasis-6 certificate for the invention and startup competition, worth 30 points in the visa assessment.
Oasis is a government program that helps foreign entrepreneurs establish technology businesses in Korea through training and support for intellectual property and business incorporation.
“Foreign entrepreneurs are creating new business opportunities in Seoul based on their own experiences and technologies,” the city official responsible for foreign residents and immigration said.
“Seoul will continue providing the support they need to start businesses and settle here, so their innovative ideas can become new drivers of growth for the city.”
All three winning teams can enter Oasis-8, a business incorporation support course, without undergoing the screening normally required for the Seoul Global Center’s incorporation assistance. Completing the course earns participants 15 points toward the visa assessment.
All nine finalists will also receive extra points in the selection process for the center’s Oasis-7 startup incubation program, which provides workspace for early-stage entrepreneurs. Participants who complete the program after at least six months in residence can earn another 15 visa assessment points.
Forty teams applied for the competition, with 10 passing the initial document screening. Nine proceeded to the final investor pitches after completing the required pitch boot camp and one-on-one expert consulting.
The finalists represented eight countries — Ghana, Germany, Russia, the United States, Uruguay, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Indonesia — and presented business ideas spanning information technology, health care, education and food.
A four-member panel of startup experts, including representatives from venture capital firms and accelerators, assessed the proposals for feasibility, market potential, technology and scalability.
Winners from last year’s inaugural contest continue to develop their businesses in Korea, according to the city.
Konnect, led by an Indian entrepreneur, won first place last year with an AI-powered platform combining travel and everyday services for foreign residents. It was selected this year for TIPS, a government-backed startup support program led by private investors.
Last year’s third-place winner, Secret, led by a Japanese entrepreneur, continues to generate sales from a sleep bra designed to help prevent breast sagging, according to the city.
hnpark@heraldcorp.com
