3Q3A: Super Rookie Startup Interview
| At NextRise, some technologies will change our future, and people who are passionate about them. We took note of the startups that exuded their presence with every fiber of their being and asked just three questions. Nine startups with the most interesting, engaging, and fun imaginations. Nine people. Nine stories. |
“Check your bone health in VR”
SYNGULAR / Louis SZE CEO
Q. Please introduce your startup briefly.
A. We design an augmented reality (AR) software solution for healthcare tailored for orthopedic surgery. The technology will enable doctors to wear a headset and visualize a patient’s internal structure as a hologram in virtual reality, leading to more precise, efficient, and secure surgical procedures.
Q. What are the core technologies and their strengths?
A. The company has patent-pending technology for automating 3D medical data modeling. CT or MRI images from hospitals can be transformed into 3D models using an AI program, all within just 30 minutes. There’s no need for engineers or developers to be involved in the process. The majority of our team members have backgrounds in the gaming industry, and we’ve incorporated gaming performance into our medical AR tool to enhance graphics, improve responsiveness, and reduce latency. This sets our solution apart. Our aim is to automate the creation of human digital twins by using AI to process 3D modeling.
Q. What are the plans following NextRise 2024?
A. This time, we came to Korea to broad the global market. The Hong Kong market is too small for us, so we are planning to try our luck in Korea, Japan, and Singapore. In the future, we believe that our technology will have a wide range of applications, not just in orthopedics for diagnosing the musculoskeletal system, but also for diagnosing organs in the body, making skin incisions, performing dissections, and more. All of these processes will be digitized and accessible through a headset.
“We print universe”
MADDE / Shinhu Cho CEO
Q. Please introduce your startup briefly.
A. Our company specializes in 3D printing components used in semiconductor processes, rocket launchers, nozzles, reflectors on satellites, and small nuclear reactor structures with ambitions to expand our printing capabilities globally. We have ambitions to print everything in the world.
Q. What are the core technologies and their strengths?
A. We use 3D printing to create a variety of products using Silicon Carbide (SiC), which is the third strongest material on Earth. SiC is as hard and brittle as diamond, so we have developed a specialized binderjet 3D printer that is optimized for SiC printing. Our manufacturing process involves additive manufacturing, where thin layers are stacked to create small semiconductor parts. Additionally, we utilize WAAM* printers to produce large metal parts for rocket launch vehicles, and we have developed ‘multi-robot printing technology’ that enables us to control three robotic arms and a welder simultaneously. Our 3D printing offers the advantage of being a simple process, which effectively reduces production time and costs.
*WAAM: Wire-arc additive manufacturing. Metal wires are melted using high-temperature arc heat and stacked layer by layer.
Q. What are the plans following NextRise 2024?
A. We are preparing to enter the space industry. Our company manufactures reflectors for satellites using SiC and aims to export them worldwide. These reflectors are crucial communication components for satellites, essentially serving as “space mirrors” that capture light from space. This function will be increasingly significant in the future. Our ultimate goal is to use 3D printing to produce an entire rocket launch vehicle and then globally market the 3D printing production system for the rockets themselves.
“Lonely? How about some ART?”
Bluebird C / Sangmi Kim CEO
Q. Please introduce your startup briefly.
A. This is our philosophy: “Spotlight on loneliness today.” We have set this mission because we believe that the emotion of loneliness is at the root of many social problems. We are a social venture startup that aims to solve the problem of loneliness in society through creativity in culture and arts.
Q. What are the core technologies and their strengths?
A. We are launching an online social platform that will enable people to connect with art and culture from different eras and locations, fostering human connections. Instead of organizing people based on their hobbies or age, we will group them based on emotional categories. For instance, there will be groups for people who have lost a pet, individuals struggling with insomnia, and seniors feeling marginalized by technology. Artists will serve as guides and provide content for the art program. We plan to launch the platform next year in two language versions: Korean and international.
Q. What are the plans following NextRise 2024?
A. We will develop personalized art content that aligns with the company’s social contribution philosophy. Additionally, we will conduct art education programs targeted at individuals experiencing feelings of isolation and anxiety. Our primary focus is to gauge the social impact of arts and culture on the well-being of individuals experiencing loneliness.
“Tiny robots are building a moon city”
UEL / Namsuk Cho CEO
Q. Please introduce your startup briefly.
A. We are the Unmanned Exploration Laboratory (UEL) and we are currently developing Korea’s first lunar rover. Our space robotics startup not only constructs small-scale robots, but also designs the components, controllers, and thermal management systems that are integrated into them.
Q. What are the core technologies and their strengths?
A. We are working on creating our own artificial lunar soil and simulating the rover to operate in the actual lunar environment. The unique properties of the soil, sand, and ground on the Moon make it challenging to recreate. To address this, we have established an artificial lunar soil facility and are conducting autonomous driving tests to ensure that the rover can navigate the rough lunar surface effectively. In addition, we are focused on developing the infrastructure necessary for future human habitation in space. Our lab is currently advancing the technology for the rover to utilize a large 3D printer to construct its own building frames and relocate the blocks required for infrastructure.
Q. What are the plans following NextRise 2024?
A. The company is currently involved in overseas projects in the United States and Europe. As a prominent example, we will be taking part in NASA’s CLPS program for lunar exploration. We anticipate being able to move forward either later this year or next year.
*CLPS: Commercial Lunar Payload Services. It is a plan to launch an unmanned lunar lander annually, carrying payloads for scientific exploration and commercial development of the Moon. Each year, a private company selected through a competitive bidding process will be responsible for developing, launching, landing, and operating the unmanned lunar lander.
“Please take care of my pet, AI vet!”
Zumvet / Athena Lee CEO
Q. Please introduce your startup briefly.
A. When your pet shows signs of illness, do you know what to do, or do you rush to the vet unnecessarily? By subscribing to our app, you can distinguish between medical and non-medical issues and receive a prescription to treat your pet from the comfort of your home. We offer digital veterinary services to pet owners.
Q. What are the core technologies and their strengths?
A. It offers a video clinic system that connects veterinarians and pet owners worldwide. Additionally, it provides guidance on administering medications and medication regimens. Recently, our company has developed an AI feature that interprets pain in cats and dogs, helping pet owners understand their pet’s condition and take appropriate action in case of illness. Moreover, a machine learning decision tree model has been built to enable the AI to provide automated answers to common questions asked by pet owners. The company’s strength lies in its extensive data on pet owners’ behavior, which is used to provide insights and advice on risky situations.
Q. What are the plans following NextRise 2024?
A. We are currently operating in Southeast Asia, with the majority of our users located in Singapore and Indonesia. However, we believe there is potential for growth in Japan, Korea, and many other regions. As a result, we are engaging with various potential partners to explore collaboration opportunities.
| *This is an extension of the previous article. Click to view “Part.1.” |
