The Seoul Metropolitan Government, Maeil Business Newspaper Media Group, and the Seoul Business Agency (SBA) will host the global startup festival “Try Everything 2024” at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) on September 11-12. The event will bring together promising startups, large and mid-sized companies, investors, and accelerators from around the world.

Since its inception in 2020, the “Try Everything” event has been held annually to represent the spirit of startups willing to “try everything without fear of failure.” This year’s theme, “New Waves, New Ways,” will focus on exploring new technologies that can guide humanity through the unprecedented changes brought about by AI.

Lila Ibrahim, COO of Google DeepMind, will be the keynote speaker. This will be her first visit to Korea, where she will engage directly with the Korean startup ecosystem. She will also share insights on Google’s generative AI, Gemini, offering new directions and opportunities for startups and inspiring the local ecosystem.

The event will feature expanded participation from both domestic and international investors and startup institutions to support startups in entering global markets and strengthen open innovation. Investors and institutions from countries like Australia, France, the Netherlands, India, Japan, and Indonesia, in addition to Germany’s The Drivery, will come to Seoul. They will participate in global exhibitions and sessions, fostering connections with Korean startups. Domestic startups are expected to gain valuable experience and new collaboration opportunities through these interactions.

Sessions featuring SK Telecom will include ESG-focused startup pitches and investor panel discussions. Naver Cloud will host a session on new technologies and AI ecosystems developed through collaboration between large companies and startups. These companies will actively seek startups to partner with through sessions and exhibitions. The event aims to be a key platform for fostering collaboration between large companies and startups and creating new business opportunities through innovative ideas and technologies.

There will also be active IR pitching and 1:1 meetups to boost investment in startups. This year, a new dedicated IR stage will showcase various startups’ pitches regularly. The “2024 Seoul Unicorn Challenge,” designed to discover promising startups and enhance their global market entry, has increased its support fund to 220 million won (approximately $163,000) and has a competitive ratio of 42:1. Winning companies will receive the Seoul Mayor’s Award and follow-up support from global accelerators.

The “National Startup Audition,” now in its fifth year, will highlight innovative ideas and increase interest in startup creation, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with valuable opportunities to realize their visions and advance toward launching their startups.

KDB NextRound, a venture investment IR platform launched by Korea Development Bank in 2016, will host the “KDB NextRound: Try Everything Special Round,” featuring IR presentations from national technology startups and discussions on Korea’s venture ecosystem. Additionally, over 200 1:1 meetups between investors, large companies, and startups will be held through 15 meetup booths, offering practical opportunities for investment and technology partnerships.

Kim Jong-woo, head of the SBA’s Startup Division, said, “Despite the rapidly changing global landscape, the startup ecosystem continues to evolve. Try Everything aims to focus on supporting startups in securing investments amidst global economic uncertainties and contribute to the growth and expansion of startup culture through collaboration with various global institutions.” He added, “We hope that participating in Try Everything 2024 will provide a valuable opportunity for expanding global networks and creating new opportunities beyond just participating in the event.”

Last year’s “Try Everything 2023,” which saw over 60,000 participants both online and offline, featured keynote speakers Gary Marcus, a leading AI expert and NYU professor, and Dov Moran, CEO of Grove Ventures and the developer of the first USB, who provided practical advice for overcoming challenges. The event also included open innovation sessions with large companies such as SK Telecom, Mercedes-Benz Korea, and CJ CheilJedang, and IR pitching sessions with global investors like EQT Foundation, achieving a total of 95.37 billion won (approximately $72 million) in startup investment outcomes.