Wearable tech is bigger than ever thanks to a variety of approaches to innovate existing products using technology. Some of the most innovative wearable startups in Korea were present at CES and will look to continue to build on their success. South Korea has been known for exciting consumer technology thanks to giants Samsung and LG. However many startups in Korea have helped wearables transform into new categories catering to different sectors. Many of the reasons for the rise in wearables are the continued demand from end-users and the continued reduction of the selling price for tech gadgets. Below is a list of innovative wearable startups creating unique, functional, and innovative products.
Innovative Wearable Startups in Korea
Linkflow
Linkflow is a Samsung C-Lab spin-off and the creator of the first-ever 360 degrees Neckband Wearable Camera. Their product “FITT360” is expanding the camera market with its ability to capture and share moments in 360 degrees. It was selected as a CES 2018 Innovation Award Honoree in the Digital Imaging & Photography category. Linkflow got a lot of attention from security companies who were intrigued by the ability of FITT360 to record in 360 degrees. In addition, it has raised over $400,000 on Kickstarter. Their goal for 2022 is to target the global market. They plan to sell both the FITT360 and NEXX360 to China’s G Cube. The combined contract for these two products alone was over $20 million.
Real-Time Video Conference using Linkflow Devices
Linkflow was able to showcase the NEXX360 and FITT360 to demonstrate real-time video conferences using the devices. FITT360 is able to not only record 360 degrees at 4K resolution. It also supports 5G communication. The IoT startup has gotten over $10 million in funding to date from Samsung Ventures and Lotte Accelerator just to name a few.
“People only ever get to see what is in front of their eyes. But seeing the scene from all directions is a totally new experience. It records the sky and the clouds in it. It captures all the little moments you may have missed,” said the CEO of Linkflow, Yong-guk Kim.
iCUBES
Korean startup iCUBES develops, produces, and sells bone-conduction headsets for radios, bone-conduction voice amplifiers, and sound devices using Micro Vibration technology. Micro Vibration technology recognizes sound by transmitting a vibration sound to the auditory nerve through a bone conduction micro-vibration speaker equipped with a micro-vibration device. Moreover, they have developed earphones for military use and a neck microphone through the $1.1 million R&D fund created by the Defense Science Research Institute and the Navy. In addition, they are developing smart earphones, bone conduction voice amplifiers, and Bluetooth smart hearing aids for the protection of hearing-impaired people and hearing loss.
Welt
Korean IoT Startups like Welt have been very active at startup conferences in Korea. They are the creator of WELT a wellness belt that has sensors and an accelerometer embedded in the buckle. Therefore, WELT can track the wearer’s waist circumference, posture, and movement. In addition, it will let you know when your posture needs improvement by alerting you via your smartphone. They were able to raise over $72,000 on Kickstarter and have gotten seed funding from Samsung Ventures and Born2Global.
It has won awards from the Korean Medical Academic Association. Their target is office workers that care about their health. Furthermore, they are also working on software algorithms that can help the elderly with fall detection and prevention. In addition, WELT has a 20-day battery life and comes in burgundy, light brown, beige, black, and blue. It has a starting price of $69 and is available to buy in Korea, Japan, and the United States.
“Welt takes the health tech industry to an entirely new level with its customized plans for fitness goals,” said CEO of Welt, Sean Kang.
LiBEST
Korean IoT Startups – LiBEST is the creator of a smartwatch accessory called Artenix Band which has a built-in flexible lithium-ion battery. The Artenix Band comes with a normal strap and a charging band. Therefore, it can charge the Apple Watch and other smartwatches through a wireless connection. Furthermore, It can extend the battery life for up to 16 hours. Moreover, the bands come in red, blue, black, or brown. It is compatible with Apple Watch Series 1, 2, 3, and 4. In addition, the flexible battery is compatible with other wearables such as fitness trackers, AR/VR glasses, wireless headphones, etc.
