Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) participated in CES 2024 held in Las Vegas, Nevada, the U.S., from Jan. 9 to 12. It was joined by 19 partner companies, collectively providing opportunities for global market expansion.
K-water’s booth attracted numerous global buyers, investors, accelerators, and universities. With a total of over 630 consultations, export discussions totaling 35 billion won (US$26.47 million) and investment agreements amounting to 16 billion won were successfully conducted.
As part of the accompanying companies, “SMT” unveiled an IoT device that measures real-time water quality and temperature using the kinetic energy generated from water tap pressure alone. The company achieved significant outcomes, including an exclusive licensing agreement in Turkey and a technology exchange confidentiality agreement with a Swiss firm. Another participant, “GSIL,” which succeeded in exporting digital-twin preventive safety technology to Aramco for construction sites, is currently in export negotiations with Japanese construction companies.
Furthermore, the Water Industry Future Vision Forum, held as part of the opening event at the K-water exhibition booth on Jan. 9, garnered attention from domestic and international innovative companies gathered at CES’ Eureka Park. The forum shared startup global expansion strategies. BTE CEO Shim Gyu-jung, who received an innovation award at last year’s CES with the support of K-water, presented his experience of entering the U.S. market. Its key product, a mobile hydrogen charging station, secured a 46 billion won export contract with a U.S. company in September of last year.
Since 2018, K-water has played a pivotal role as a platform supporting innovative startups with tailored assistance at various growth stages, including entrepreneurship, funding, technology consulting, and market development. As a result, the water industry, primarily led by construction and large enterprises, has diversified by integrating with AI, energy, and other sectors, transforming into a dynamic ecosystem of innovative industries with active participation, from small and medium-sized enterprises as well as startups.