MWC 2025: Here are the S. Korean startups to pay attention to at 4YFN

In Barcelona now.

This year's MWC is not just for big firms to shine it's also a stage for startups to show off their innovative ideas and gain global recognition.

Our correspondent Lee Soo-jin tells us more.

Small business are competing to make their mark at this dedicated space nestled within the world's largest mobile event.

This is where innovation begins.

"4 Years From Now is a startup event on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress, where inventors showcase their latest creations some award-winning, some intriguing, all with the goal of making it to the main event 'four years from now.'"

And those award-winning startups generating buzz at the event include ones from South Korea.

"Doctorpresso," an AI-powered mental health app, is the only Korean startup nominated this year for MWC's Global Mobile Awards, often called the "Oscars" of the mobile industry.

I tested its AI by pretending to feel down.

"I don't know what's wrong and nothing seems to change. I'm starting to lose hope."

The technology quickly analyzed my voice, offering personalized recommendations about what I can do.

Another South Korean startup, Sakak , was named a Top 20 finalist at the 4YFN Awards for its AI-powered platform, which provides customized responses based on sensitive data in industries like healthcare and insurance.

"Our biggest challenge has been gaining global recognition. We hope to use this opportunity to find business opportunities abroad."

And as 4YFN showcases cutting-edge startup innovations, it attracts industry leaders seeking promising startups for collaboration.

"We're interested in startups with innovative AI technology. One of the biggest challenges that startups face is finding the right industry to apply their technology and that's where big corporations like us come in."

One of the 15 startups SK Telecom is working with is "Tuat," an AI-powered visual assistance app that won GLOMO awards in 2022 and 2024.

The app gives real-time voice descriptions for visually impaired users when they take a photo of their surroundings or objects.

"A person's hand is visible on the monitor holding a cellphone and English is written on the screen."

Another startup, "Hudson AI," uses AI to provide dubbing that captures nuances like tone and emotion.

The company, like the other startups, is optimistic about the new opportunities and connections that 4YFN will bring as they take their first steps toward the global market.

Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News, Barcelona.