We’re proud to announce the 10 innovative founders selected to participate in the Korea–Australia Landing Pad Program, delivered by Spacecubed and supported by the Australia–Korea Foundation, which is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Building on the success of the Perth Landing Pad, this new bilateral initiative is designed to strengthen trade, innovation, and entrepreneurial connections between Korea and Australia. Over the next few months, these founders will embark on a cross-market journey, accessing market-entry support, cultural mentorship, and founder matchmaking to accelerate their global growth.
Discussing this partnership, Mr Sung Ho Lee shared, “As a board member of the Australia-Korea Foundation, I am proud to support the Korea-Australia Landing Pad Program powered by Spacecubed. This initiative exemplifies the spirit of partnership and innovation that defines the relationship between our two nations.”
“By bringing together high-potential startups, entrepreneurs and mentors from both Australia and Korea, we are not only strengthening economic and cultural ties but also fostering future leaders who will drive meaningful impact in business and technology. Collaborative platforms like this not only accelerate bilateral innovation, they create long lasting people-to-people links and promote a shared vision for our region,” he added.
Five startups from each country have been selected to participate in the program, representing diverse industries spanning clean energy, AI, advanced manufacturing, health, and sustainability.
👋 Meet the Australian founders:
Joss Charpenay, EINSEN Innovation: Creators of a patented automated ironing device that can press garments in under a minute, solving one of life’s most detested chores through design and automation.
Masha Polshinskaya, Mediqa: An AI-powered platform matching qualified nurses with healthcare providers, addressing the global nursing shortage through scalable workforce mobility solutions.
Clayton Franklin, Electric Power Conversions Australia: An Aboriginal-owned company electrifying heavy diesel mining equipment with a proprietary electric powertrain system, reducing emissions and operating costs across the resources sector.
Robert Duff-Silsby, Pcock Pty Ltd: A sextech startup creating inclusive, assistive products designed for people of all bodies and abilities, tackling exclusion within the sexual wellness industry.
Tom Puddy, SeaStock Pty Ltd: Harnessing algae extracts for agriculture and cosmetics, offering natural ingredients that reduce livestock methane emissions and create sustainable colourings for consumer goods.
👋 Meet the Korean founders:
Gene Cho, YourD: Building global digital ID infrastructure using DID and verifiable credentials to enable trusted cross-border onboarding and AI-ready data exchange between Korea and Australia.
Ji Riang Chung, Tilda Corp.: An AI-driven optimisation and forecasting platform improving energy efficiency, stability, and profitability across renewables and commodity markets.
Jae-Hoon Hwang, RhinoCare Korea Inc.: Developers of a medical device that alleviates respiratory diseases and sleep disorders caused by rhinitis and air pollution — drug-free and side-effect free.
Insung Jo, Achromat Corp.: Specialists in soft magnetic materials and inductor core production, developing lightweight, energy-efficient components for next-generation electronics.
Sooin Kwon, Hydro Fa Co., Ltd.: A smart green hydrogen generation platform integrating renewable power and AI energy management for cost-effective clean fuel production.
This exchange will see the first cohort of Korean founders travel to Perth for an immersive residency during West Tech Fest in December, gaining exposure to Australia’s innovation ecosystem through mentoring, ecosystem tours, and participation in key events.
Then, in early 2026, Australian founders will travel to Seoul, where they will meet local partners, investors, and innovation hubs to explore market expansion opportunities. Between these in-person missions, participants will also take part in virtual workshops, mentoring sessions, and a joint showcase event to strengthen collaboration and visibility across both ecosystems.
Valentina Bert, Growth Lead at Spacecubed shared, "This brings together two vibrant innovation communities, fostering the exchange of knowledge, culture and opportunity. WA’s growing startup ecosystem, with expertise in sectors such as renewable energy, Mining, Agritech and Healthtech, and South Korea’s dynamic innovation landscape, with strengths in AI, robotics, biotech and smart manufacturing, create a natural alignment for cross-border entrepreneurship.”
“Through this partnership, we’re building pathways that empower founders to collaborate across borders, scale internationally and tap into the Asia-Pacific region’s rich opportunities for growth.”
The Korea–Australia Landing Pad Program is supported by the Commonwealth through the Australia-Korea Foundation, which is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Make sure to follow Spacecubed on LinkedIn here and Facebook here to stay updated on the program’s milestones, founder stories, and the upcoming delegations to Perth and Seoul.