Gangwon Center for Creative Economy & Innovation announced on the 6th that three startups from the Gangwon region, which have grown through the center’s support, have won the CES 2026 Innovation Awards at the world’s largest IT and technology exhibition.

This achievement is particularly significant as it demonstrates that technology startups grown from Gangwon’s startup ecosystem have been officially recognized for their innovation and technological competitiveness on the global stage.

The companies that won the innovation awards are LEEBIO (optical-based smart water quality measurement device), CommonLink (SWAVI invisible touch controller), and FDTECH (AI-based automatic bridge crack and damage inspection robot FD Rider).

Gangwon CCEI has provided support to these companies including prototype development, global expansion, commercialization funding, investment, and networking programs.

The award categories for each company were LEEBIO (AI-based real-time precision analysis technology in the environment and water sector), CommonLink (SMART Communities that recognizes fingertip gestures by analyzing surface friction sounds with AI), and FDTECH (smart infrastructure safety management sector).

Haejung Lee, CEO of Gangwon CCEI, stated, “This is a meaningful achievement where Gangwon’s technology startups have officially proven their innovation on the world’s top stage, CES. Gangwon CCEI will further strengthen technology verification, investment, and overseas network support for local technology startups’ global expansion.”

The three companies plan to unveil their innovative products at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, USA, from January 6-9, 2026, and conduct consultations with overseas investors and buyers.