Representatives from the Consumer Technology Association and institutional investors tour the exhibition hall of K-water, showcasing advanced water management technologies with 19 domestic water industry startups at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Jan. 9. Courtesy of K-water
Resources agency, Korean startups win innovation awards, secure $35 mil. in deals
By Jung Da-hyun
The Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-water) showcased the country’s cutting-edge water management technologies at the CES 2025 tech trade show in Las Vegas, marking a significant step toward expanding its global exports, company officials said Monday.
At the event, K-water collaborated with 19 Korean water industry startups to operate a dedicated exhibition hall, featuring advanced solutions for future water security in the face of climate change.
Among the highlights were three key next-generation technologies: digital twin for water management, artificial intelligence-powered water treatment plants and smart water network management. These innovations are seen as essential for enhancing the efficiency of water infrastructure amid rising climate challenges.
The event generated over 800 consultations on exports and investments, valued at approximately 51 billion won ($35 million), along with discussions on local product and technology demonstrations and potential technology partnerships. These efforts culminated in the signing of five memorandums of understanding.
Among the participating startups, First Lab sought partnerships with prominent European cosmetics companies, while Blue Device explored technology collaborations with global leaders in the display industry. Fawoo Nanotech held product and technology verification discussions with the Arizona state government and major global electronics corporations.
Notably, 12 of the startups are based in provincial areas, making these partnerships key examples of local companies overcoming growth barriers and achieving results on the international stage.
In addition, three startups were recognized with the CES Innovation Award for their groundbreaking technologies.
Inosep received the honor for its artificial kidney technology utilizing filtration membranes, while Fawoo Nanotech was acknowledged for its device that mass-produces industrial-grade nanobubbles to remove impurities in pipes. First Lab was awarded for its technology that decomposes harmful perfluorinated compounds in water.
K-water’s ongoing participation in CES since 2023, coupled with its global expansion programs, has been instrumental in helping Korean water companies break into competitive international markets, officials said.
These efforts have contributed to a cumulative export value of approximately 231.5 billion won by 2024.
"During CES 2025, K-water not only showcased the innovation of Korea’s water management technologies but also strengthened the foundation for our global presence," An Jung-ho, senior vice president of Green Infrastructure Management at K-water, said. "We will continue to lead the water tech sector and actively pursue new markets to drive future growth."
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