President Yoon Suk Yeol Champions Innovation during Silicon Valley Visit
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol recently attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, where he not only engaged with key players in Silicon Valley, including Bear Robotics and other Korean visionaries but also underscored his commitment to fostering a conducive environment for innovative research and development.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
President Yoon's visit began with a resounding commitment to the future of Korean researchers. Emphasizing the government's dedication to encouraging the next generation, he assured them that the fear of failure should no longer impede groundbreaking work. President Yoon stated, "We are changing our country’s R&D policy to enable pursuing innovative research that aims to be the best in the world without fear of failure." His vision includes ensuring that Korean researchers worldwide can evolve into world-class innovators, regardless of their nationality.
Showcasing Technological Advancements
A highlight of the visit was Bear Robotics CEO, John Ha's impressive presentation on Bear’s autonomous mobility platform, Servi Plus. John Ha shared the stage with two other Korean-founded tech companies, DeepBrain AI, and Stratio, collectively showcasing South Korea's prowess in technological innovation on the global stage.
Strengthening Korea's Presence in Global Startups
President Yoon, cognizant of South Korea's impact on the global startup landscape, shared significant statistics. "37.6% of our country’s overseas startups are advancing into North America, with approximately half choosing Silicon Valley as their destination," he noted. In an effort to further support these startups, the government is poised to establish a centralized portal, collating support information from 13 organizations operating local centers.
Embracing Challenges in Silicon Valley
President Yoon, inspired by the individuals embracing new opportunities in Silicon Valley, remarked, "Meeting all of you taking on new challenges in Silicon Valley, a symbol of innovation and daring, not only brings me great joy but also inspires me." President Yoon's encouragement extended to the innovators, asserting, "You are the main players and leaders of innovation who will create a bright future for Korea and the world."
As South Korea embarks on a transformative approach to research and development, President Yoon's visit to Silicon Valley signifies a robust commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and resilience among the nation's tech developers. The collaborative efforts showcased during the visit position South Korea as a key player in shaping the future landscape of global innovation.
Special thank you to the Korea Innovation Center (KIC) for providing Bear Robotics with the opportunity to meet with President Yoon. KIC supports Korean and Korean American startups in entering the US market by connecting them with local investors and accelerators.
