Hyundai Motor, Kia’s ZER01NE Creative Talent Platform Unveils CES 2024 Surprises

Jan 11, 2024 08:47 PM EST

RED CAR DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY — (Photo : PEXELS/t4hlil)

A collection of 11 startups affiliated with Hyundai Motor Group's ZER01NE accelerator program showcased their innovations at CES 2024, capturing the attention of visitors seeking groundbreaking tech enterprises poised for significant growth. The CES 2024 event, spanning from January 9 to 12, featured active participation from Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation's ZER01NE Creative Talent Platform.

ZER01NE AT CES 2024

The primary objective for both companies is to foster the expansion of ZER01NE startups, facilitating their global market entry through robust support for their capabilities. The ZER01NE Creative Talent Platform promotes technologies with early-stage companies to support Hyundai Motor Group's global goal.

At CES 2024, the ZER01NE Pavilion takes center stage, showcasing innovations from 11 startups curated by ZER01NE VENTURES. Modern water-based batteries and biodegradable plastic polymers are on display. The Venetian Expo, Hall G, Eureka Park exposition, open from January 9 to 12, showcases cutting-edge technology.

Returning to CES for the second consecutive year since 2023, ZER01NE VENTURES expands its presence and elevates the quality of content presented. Eleven incubated startups showcase their revolutionary solutions on this global stage.

ZER01NE VENTURES finds worldwide startups that meet Hyundai Motor and Kia's R&D technological demands. To transform mobility and technology, ZER01NE VENTURES invests in innovative firms and evaluates technologies.

Reports shared Hyundai Motor Group's Vice President and Head of the Open Innovation Execution Group, Dr. Yunseong Hwang, says the corporation regularly explores breakthrough technology outside automobiles. Hyundai works with global startups to change mobility. The ZER01NE Creative Talent Platform helped find these revolutionary innovations, according to Dr. Hwang.

The ZER01NE program accelerates the development of next-generation solutions that could benefit humanity. ZER01NE invests in executives and staff's innovative business ideas, according to The Korean Times.

To date, 36 in-house startups have emerged from the program. Collaborating with a total of 128 startups, the group actively makes equity investments in 97 companies. Four startups were highly praised at the world's largest tech exhibition.

This year's startups developed through external support encompass Green Whale Global, ARTWA, DEEP.FINE, Pebblous, and Koop Technologies. In parallel, the internally cultivated startups for the current year include APLAYZ, MOBINN, DATAMOND, and POEN.

Notably, there are two H-OnDream startups, DAY1LAB, and COSMOS Lab, originating from the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation, a renowned startup incubation program in Korea. Within this cohort of 11 startups, Green Whale Global, MOBINN, POEN, and DAY1LAB have all secured accolades as Innovation Award winners.

Furthermore, ZER01NE VENTURES administers an internal venture initiative named Company Builder, which focuses on investing in innovations driven by employees.

Some of The Startups

Hyundai Motor Group supported Green Whale Global, a producer of bioplastic polymers, after the startup secured funding from ZER01NE in 2021, owing to its environmentally friendly biotechnology. Cosmetic containers, non-wovens, 3D printer filaments, hangers, disposable items, and plastic parts for home appliances and cars among the company's products.

On the other hand, Mobinn, a robotics business, delivers last-mile utilizing a robot that can climb stairs and work 24/7. Specially built wheels and sensors help the robot deliver efficiently. Company emphasizes robot's user-friendly construction, making it easier to maintain.

Mobinn's M3 delivery robot is currently operational in resorts and residential complexes.

At CES 2024, data quality firm Pebblous demonstrated AI-era data quality solutions. The company was founded in November 2021 by two AI, computer graphics, and robotics researchers to improve data quality. Notably, it secured funding from Hyundai Motor Group's accelerator program in April 2022.