Jan 5, 2026

Startup Junkie Heads to Las Vegas for CES 2026 Through Global Partnership with KOTRA

LAS VEGAS – Startup Junkie, a Northwest Arkansas–based organization supporting entrepreneurs and innovation ecosystems, will return to Las Vegas in January as part of a global partnership with KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) to participate in CES 2026, the world’s largest and most influential technology conference.

Through the partnership, Startup Junkie and KOTRA will co-host two days of international startup pitch sessions and networking events inside the Korea Pavilion at Eureka Park, the startup-focused exhibition area of CES. The events will take place January 7–8 and feature up to 16 Korean startups selected from a competitive applicant pool.

The initiative builds on Startup Junkie’s ongoing work connecting Arkansas and Heartland entrepreneurs to national and global innovation ecosystems, while also supporting international founders looking to establish partnerships with U.S.-based enterprises, investors, and innovation leaders.

During the two-day program, participating startups will pitch live to a curated audience of enterprise leaders, corporate innovation teams, venture capital firms, and ecosystem partners. Each pitch session will be followed by moderated Q&A and networking opportunities designed to spark real partnership conversations beyond the conference floor.

KOTRA, the South Korean government agency responsible for trade and investment promotion, has been a long-standing supporter of Korean startups at CES. The Korea Pavilion is a central hub for international innovation at Eureka Park, showcasing cutting-edge companies across sectors such as artificial intelligence, logistics, mobility, health technology, advanced manufacturing, and consumer electronics.

Startup Junkie’s role includes helping design and manage the pitch program, supporting startup preparation, recruiting judges and enterprise participants, and coordinating investor and ecosystem attendance. The partnership also includes post-CES follow-up to help facilitate ongoing conversations and potential pilot projects or partnerships.

CES 2026 is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees from around the world, including leading technology companies, investors, policymakers, and media.

Where: Korea Pavilion, Eureka Park (Venetian Expo).

  • When: Wednesday, Jan. 7 & Thursday, Jan. 8.
  • Schedule:

    • 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Live Startup Pitches.
    • 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Networking Reception & Refreshments.

RSVP to Attend: Space is limited. Media, investors, and industry leaders are encouraged to register in advance.

Building on a legacy of global connectivity, this marks the second consecutive year that Startup Junkie and KOTRA have partnered to curate an exciting pitch event live from the Korea Pavilion at CES. Last year’s showcase from the expo floor followed similar, well-received engagements in years past, continuing a successful tradition of bridging Korean innovation ecosystems and the US marketplace.

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About Startup Junkie: Startup Junkie is a mission-driven entrepreneurial support organization based in Northwest Arkansas dedicated to empowering innovators and entrepreneurs through no-cost consulting, world-class programs, and events. Over the past 15 years, the Startup Junkie team has supported thousands of founders across Arkansas and around the globe, helping build a robust startup ecosystem in the Heartland while fostering global connections. The organization’s mission is to improve lives through entrepreneurship and innovation, lowering barriers and providing resources to help new ventures start and grow.

About KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency): KOTRA is the Republic of Korea’s government agency charged with promoting international trade and investment. Established in 1962, KOTRA operates more than 120 offices in over 80 countries, including seven offices across the United States. By providing market research, business matchmaking, and investment consulting services, KOTRA facilitates global opportunities for Korean companies and investors. KOTRA also plays a leading role in showcasing Korean innovation at major global events like CES, supporting Korean startups and enterprises in expanding their reach worldwide.

Media contact

Caleb Talley, Executive Director, Startup Junkie Foundation
caleb@startupjunkie.org | 479-879-7997

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