The Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA) successfully hosted the 6th Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Partners’ Upscale Program (STEP-UP) on May 17-18, 2025, in Los Angeles, CA. Under the theme “Bridging Ideas to Markets,” the event connected technology-driven innovations to broader audiences and markets through engaging discussions, impactful networking, and inspiring case studies.
Event Highlights
STEP-UP 2025 featured 15 presentations, two keynote speeches, and eight dynamic sessions, including a vibrant Elevator Pitch event that allowed over 70 participants to introduce themselves and foster connections. The program also showcased successful founders, who shared transformative insights from their entrepreneurial journeys.
Featured Sessions:
Keynotes:
- Keeyong Han (San Jose State University) on the secrets of successful startups.
- Hyungil Kim (WEBTOON Entertainment) on navigating challenges in the U.S. startup ecosystem.
- Scaling Global: K-Beauty & Beyond in E-Commerce
- Yunsang Shin, CEO at Beauty Bridge
- Chiyul Song, Senior Data Analytics Manager at Nike
- From Zero to Scale: Winning Go-to-Market Strategies
- Hansol Hong, CEO at Robolink
- Jason Park, President at Poke Bar
- Ellie Lee, CMO at APOC
- Cross-Border Startup Strategy: Korea ⇄ US Expansion
- Kiwon Sung, Managing Attorney at K-Startup Law
- Seldon Yoon, CEO at Indent
- Jennifer Cho, President at Portlogics USA
- Growth Hacking Through Strategic Marketing Partnerships
- Taewoon Park, CEO at Pixio
- Eddie Yi, CEO at Ditans Group
- Silicon Beach Startups: The DNA of LA & OC’s Innovation Scene
- Jun Lee, CEO at Humanscape US
- Jake Kim, CEO at Sodagift
- Sungho Lee, Head of Business Development at RIDI
- Yongjae Chuh, CEO at iSharingSoft
For details, please refer to the Program Book downloadable at: [Link]
Participation and Feedback
With 104 registrants, including students, startup CEOs, and professionals, STEP-UP 2025 attracted a diverse audience and offered invaluable opportunities for learning and networking. Feedback from participants highlighted the program’s excellent organization, relevant content, and strong networking opportunities. The elevator pitch session was particularly appreciated for its creativity and effectiveness in fostering connections.
Attendees valued the mix of practical knowledge, real-world case studies, and actionable insights shared by speakers, as well as the focus on collaboration and growth. The overwhelmingly positive reception underscores STEP-UP’s role as a cornerstone event for innovation and entrepreneurship within the Korean-American community.
A Bright Future Ahead
STEP-UP 2025 marked a significant milestone in fostering innovation and collaboration within the Korean-American entrepreneurial community. The connections formed and the insights gained during the event will undoubtedly drive progress and inspire success stories in the years to come. We look forward to seeing the impactful outcomes of this shared journey.
KSEA e-Letters 