For 2 days, from 11-12 September 2025, one of Seoul’s iconic landmarks, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), welcomed local and global start-ups, government officials, investors, AI gurus, and aspiring young creative talents, along with the public, for the annual Try Everything 2025 Festival organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Mae Kyung Media Group, and Seoul Business Agency.
Exhibition Booths.
Startup CEOs from Spain and Trinidad and Tobago.
An AI-dominated festival packed with much-anticipated programs and events, including the Opening Ceremony, Keynote addresses, award ceremonies, startup pitching, reverse pitching from investors and conglomerates, sharing global startup trends and insights, exhibition and promotional booths for startups, various business meetups, and a press conference.
Highlighting the significance of the event, the Mayor of Seoul, Oh Se-hoon, addressed participants, stating that the city currently ranks as the eighth largest startup and investment hub in the world, comparable to Silicon Valley. The city’s ambition is to rise to fifth place globally by attracting more investors and startups to establish themselves in South Korea.
Connection stage.
With a slogan, “Dive Deep, Fly High,” the organizers say Try Everything 2025 is an event for people who strive to create a better future through new challenges and collaboration. It brings together diverse players from the startup ecosystem to share creative ideas, drive innovation, and grow together. It provides a platform for exchange and communication, ensuring that the passion and challenge toward change continue. It aims to present new opportunities and visions for the future.
Innovations that are proven authentic and beneficial to humanity, from sleep solution devices to space robotics that the creative minds behind those inventions demonstrate human ingenuity in medical practices, neurotech, energy, recycling, sustainable agriculture, environmental safety, and protection, captivating visitors.
Oh Se-hoon, middle, Mayor of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
One of the participating organizations was the Global Business Alliance, GBA, a unique Association where Koreans & Foreigners from over 65 countries belonging to diverse business sectors come together to share innovative ideas and collaborate together for the mutual growth of their businesses as well as their countries’ economies.
Mr. Oh Sinan Ozturk, Chairman of the Global Business Alliance (GBA).
Mr. Oh Sinan, Chairman of the Global Business Alliance (GBA), spoke to Pressenza Press about the organization’s mission and its participation in this year’s Try Everything global startup festival in Seoul.
“It was founded in 2019. GBA is a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in South Korea that brings together foreign CEOs, Korean business leaders, and embassy representatives. Our platform currently has around 200 active members from 65 different countries, many of whom are engaged in important export and business activities in South Korea.”
Mr. Oh Sinan Ozturk, originally from Turkey and a resident of South Korea for over 26 years, is the Chairman of the Global Business Alliance (GBA). He also serves as the CEO of Kervan Group, a company active in the restaurant and hospitality industry. In recognition of his contributions, he holds the title of Honorary Mayor of Seoul Metropolitan City – Global Tourism.
“We’re delighted that the Seoul Business Agency (SBA), which serves as a global startup platform, invited us to the festival to promote the association to global business leaders. This year’s gathering welcomed startups from 35 countries, with around 60 startup events taking part. The event’s primary aim is to connect entrepreneurs and startups with investors, creating opportunities for growth and collaboration. Over the course of two days, so many business meetings are scheduled between these groups.” He added.
He emphasized that GBA’s goal in participating in the festival was to encourage potential partners, entrepreneurs, and CEOs who may consider living and working in Korea to join GBA’s international network.
GBA members discussing business.
Among the exhibitor startups, EF Polymer K.K, a Japanese company located in Okinawa, Japan, is pioneering a new era of sustainable agriculture with its 100% organic, eco-friendly polymer. Developed from bio-waste such as orange and banana peels, this innovative polymer is designed to support farmers worldwide while protecting the environment. Its innovation is primarily used in agriculture; the polymer helps soil retain water and fertilizer, thereby boosting crop growth. Unlike synthetic alternatives, EF Polymer’s product contains no chemical compounds and naturally decomposes back into the soil within a year. This ensures healthier soil, stronger crops, and zero harmful environmental impact.
“Our mission is simple: healthy soil, healthy crops, and sustainable farming practices that leave no trace of harm. With its global presence growing, our company is committed to delivering innovative solutions to farmers and industries worldwide, helping build a more sustainable future,” explains Kyoji Nakao, Chief Marketing Officer of EF Polymer.
Mr. Kyoji Nakao, Chief Marketing Officer of EF Polymer.
Beyond agriculture, the polymer also shows promise in other fields such as cosmetics, personal care, sanitary products, ice packs, and emergency supplies. The company is rapidly expanding its reach, currently operating in Japan, India, and the U.S., with team members active in European countries including France, Spain, and Portugal.
The festival invited world business leaders for keynote sessions, including Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard, who shared his experience of transforming innovative ideas from prototypes into market-leading products on a global scale, and Zack Kass, former Head of Go To Market at OpenAI and a renowned futurist, who highlighted strategic insights for organizational growth in the AI era.
Photos by Bereket Alemayehu, 11 Sept, 2025
