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D.CAMP and Murata Electronics Korea jointly hosted the final private pitching session of the “Startup OI Kyoto Deep-Tech” program on the 16th at D.CAMP Seolleung. More than 20 representatives from Murata Manufacturing’s headquarters and its South Korean subsidiary attended to evaluate technology collaboration proposals from nine South Korean deep-tech startups. Refiz Robotics, which proposed a collaboration model to improve data collection accuracy for robot AI training, and Oceans Bio, which presented a wearable healthcare model combining AI prediction technology, were jointly selected as outstanding companies. The two companies will be considered for follow-up collaboration opportunities including proof-of-concept, technology transfer, and joint commercialization.
Key Elements
D.CAMP, operated by the Banks Foundation for Young Entrepreneurs, and Murata Electronics Korea—the South Korean subsidiary of global electronic components maker Murata Manufacturing—have completed the final private pitching session of the “Startup OI Kyoto Deep-Tech” program. Nine South Korean deep-tech startups competed for technology collaboration opportunities with the Japanese conglomerate, with kitchen automation robotics company Refiz Robotics and epilepsy treatment electroceutical developer Oceans Bio jointly selected as outstanding companies.
The private pitching session held on the 16th at D.CAMP Seolleung was attended by more than 20 engineers and new business development personnel from Murata Manufacturing’s headquarters and Murata Electronics Korea. The judging panel comprehensively evaluated participating companies’ presentations on technology fit, commercialization potential, and feasibility of proof-of-concept (PoC) initiatives.
The program is an open innovation (OI) initiative operated by D.CAMP to support entry into the Japanese market, designed to identify technology collaboration and commercialization opportunities between South Korean deep-tech startups and Japanese conglomerates. Companies selected in June underwent approximately two months of customized acceleration, including technology fit analysis, business direction refinement, and pitching enhancement tailored for Japanese corporate audiences.
The nine participating companies were NanoLambda Korea, Nuvinda, Rehigh, Refiz Robotics, ViewRun Technology, Oceans Bio, JJNS, Zinolab, and TaekRobot. They proposed collaboration models linked to Murata’s sensor, communications, materials, and modularization technologies across mobility and robotics, wellness and healthcare, and semiconductor sectors.
Proposals from the Two Outstanding Companies
Refiz Robotics proposed leveraging Murata’s ultra-precision inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors to enhance the accuracy of behavioral data collection devices for robot AI training. The concept aims to elevate AI training quality by improving the precision of motion data that robots collect in real-world environments.
Oceans Bio presented a wearable healthcare collaboration model combining its AI prediction technology from the perspective of Murata’s wellness-sector new business initiatives. The company explored the possibility of jointly developing new healthcare product lines by integrating its biosignal analysis capabilities—accumulated in the epilepsy treatment electroceutical field—with Murata’s sensor technology.
Other participating companies also showcased various collaboration scenarios, including product performance improvements linked to Murata’s core technologies, discovery of new application areas, and joint product development.
Follow-Up Collaboration Direction
D.CAMP and Murata Electronics Korea plan to proceed with follow-up technology reviews based on the pitching results. For the outstanding companies, they will evaluate various collaboration options including proof-of-concept (PoC), technology transfer, licensing, and joint commercialization.
The program is significant in that it established a direct channel for South Korean deep-tech startups to engage with the technology needs of Japanese conglomerates. Rather than merely supporting investment attraction or market entry, the program was designed to match South Korean startup solutions to actual technology challenges faced by Japanese companies.
Murata Manufacturing is an electronic components company with world-leading market share in ceramic capacitors, sensors, and communication modules. With the company recently expanding into automotive electrification, healthcare, and industrial robotics, observers note that demand for collaboration with South Korean deep-tech startups could grow.
D.CAMP plans to expand its open innovation channels with Japanese conglomerates starting with this program. Attention is focused on whether opportunities for South Korean deep-tech startups to have their technology validated in the Japanese market will increase.
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