YSAU Startups Celebrate Global Success at COMEUP 2024
The Youth Startup Academy Uganda (YSAU) made waves on the global stage at the COMEUP 2024 Startup Festival, held on December 11-12 at the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center in Seoul, South Korea. Hosted by the South Korean Ministry of SMEs and Startups in partnership with the Korea Startup Forum and Startup Promotion Agency, the event highlighted innovation that transcends borders.
Representing Uganda at the global stage were 11 exceptional startups from the Youth Startup Academy Uganda (YSAU) program, including Neexa AI, Karaa Africa, iKnowFarm, and AUTOFORE among others. These visionary entrepreneurs captivated a global audience with their innovative solutions, drawing attention from investors, collaborators, and industry leaders from over 40 countries. Uganda's vibrant participation underscored the transformative impact of South Korea's Youth Startup Academy (YSA), implemented locally through Official Development Assistance (ODA). From Kiso Fresh to SafeBangle Technologies, these startups not only impressed but also demonstrated the boundless ingenuity and potential driving Uganda's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The event’s highlights included a visit from the South Korean Minister of SMEs and Startups, Oh Young-ju, who commended the YSAU startups for their innovation and emphasized deeper collaboration with South Korea. Notably, YUNGA, led by Kiriggwajjo Anatoli, celebrated a milestone with its official entry into the South Korean market through a partnership with VC Venture Port.
Stealing the spotlight, Neexa AI was crowned The African Ingenuity Champion: Trailblazer of Uganda’s Bright Future. This AI-driven startup, founded by Ethan Bampeire, redefines sales processes by acting as a 24/7 virtual sales agent, enabling businesses to achieve effortless growth. Ethan remarked, “This award signifies the impact we are creating now and the limitless potential for the future.” The Youth Startup Academy Uganda’s participation at COMEUP 2024 demonstrated that African innovation is thriving and ready to lead on the global stage.