Hyundai and Kia Propel Innovation with 10 Startup Partnerships at CES 2025
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation’s global open innovation platforms, ZER01NE and Hyundai CRADLE, are making a Propel powerful impression at CES 2025, taking place from January 7-10, 2025. Their joint exhibition underscores Hyundai Motor and Kia’s dedication to empowering these innovation hubs to foster global advancements in technology and sustainability.
Driving Innovation Through ZER01NE and CRADLE
ZER01NE VENTURES: Cultivating Visionary Startups
ZER01NE VENTURES, Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Propel creative talent platform, serves as a cornerstone for identifying and collaborating with startups that develop groundbreaking solutions to societal challenges. Since its inception, ZER01NE has:
- Invested in 107 startups through ZER01NE Fund I/II.
- Executed 144 collaborative projects by mid-2024.
- Spun off 36 in-house ventures since its establishment in 2000.
By fostering a thriving ecosystem of innovation, ZER01NE VENTURES is creating a ripple effect of technological advancements across industries.
Hyundai CRADLE: A Global Hub of Innovation
Hyundai CRADLE operates as Hyundai Motor Group’s global open innovation hub, leveraging regional expertise to identify and invest in Propel pioneering startups. With offices in Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv, Berlin, Beijing, and Singapore, CRADLE has:
- Executed 141 projects.
- Made 46 strategic investments in cutting-edge technologies.
Through these efforts, CRADLE connects Hyundai Motor Group with Propel emerging innovators to strengthen its position as a leader in technological advancements.
A Strong Presence at CES 2025
Marking its third Propel consecutive appearance at CES, ZER01NE VENTURES is joined by CRADLE to showcase groundbreaking innovations from 10 global startups. The exhibition Propel spans future mobility, artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainable materials, reflecting Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to human-centric innovation.
Key Exhibition Highlights
The CES 2025 exhibition features:
- Startup Demonstrations: Participating startups will demonstrate their Propel cutting-edge technologies.
- CRADLE-Startup Panel Discussions: In-booth sessions provide opportunities for global engagement and exploring synergies within the open innovation ecosystem.
- Introduction to ZER01NE and CRADLE: Attendees will gain insights into the platforms’ missions and achievements.
“ZER01NE and CRADLE strive to drive growth in the global startup ecosystem by working with various creative talents and innovation Propel partners worldwide,” said Kyuseung Noh, Head of the ZER01NE Group. “Through these collaborations, Hyundai Motor Group is Propel expanding its open innovation initiatives and contributing to the development of a sustainable mobility value chain focused on human-centric innovation.”
Participating Startups at CES 2025
The 10 featured startups at CES 2025 represent a diverse range of industries and Propel innovative solutions. Here are their contributions:
1. Deep In Sight
Deep In Sight is revolutionizing 3D sensing and AI applications. By utilizing 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) cameras, the company develops solutions like:
- In-Cabin Monitoring Systems
- 3D Handheld LiDAR
- Volume Measurement Systems
- 3D Surround View Monitoring (SVM)
These technologies enhance automation in mobility, medical devices, construction, and logistics.
2. Narnia Labs
Narnia Labs leverages generative AI to transform manufacturing. Its solutions enable:
- Cost reduction
- Accelerated production cycles
- AI-driven design generation and evaluation
The company is setting a new standard in manufacturing efficiency.
3. Terracle
Terracle pioneers green chemical recycling technology to address plastic waste. By employing low-temperature depolymerization, Terracle:
- Converts PET plastics into raw materials like CR-TPA and CR-EG.
- Promotes infinite recycling without environmental harm.
Their work supports a circular economy in plastics.
4. Tesollo
Tesollo’s innovative robotic grippers, the Delto Gripper Series, facilitate full automation in industries requiring manual labor. Tesollo’s Delto Solution brings advanced robotics to sectors like manufacturing and logistics, enhancing productivity.
5. Capture 6
Capture 6 specializes in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology to address climate change. Integrating DAC with seawater desalination, the company:
- Removes CO2 from the atmosphere.
- Produces clean water resources.
- Develops by-products for commercialization.
6. The Smart Tire Company
The Smart Tire Company’s airless tire technology uses shape memory alloy (NiTinol) to:
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Eliminate tread wear
- Reduce maintenance costs
This NASA-licensed innovation is setting a new benchmark in tire technology.
7. Koop.ai
Koop.ai provides tailored insurance solutions for autonomous vehicles and robotics through an API-driven platform. By integrating expertise, data, and technology, Koop.ai is advancing risk management for emerging mobility solutions.
8. MADDE
MADDE transforms silicon carbide (SiC) manufacturing through proprietary 3D printing technology. Their innovations reduce:
- Lead times
- Production costs
MADDE’s SiC products support industries like semiconductors, space exploration, and small modular reactors (SMRs).
9. 3I Solution
3I Solution uses neutron activation and AI for non-destructive industrial element analysis. Their technology improves:
- Manufacturing efficiency
- Cost reduction
- Carbon neutrality
10. InvaLab
InvaLab offers nature-based solutions for ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation. Their science-driven approach addresses invasive species and promotes sustainable environmental practices.
Building a Sustainable Future
At CES 2025, ZER01NE and CRADLE aim to strengthen Hyundai Motor and Kia’s open innovation ecosystem. By fostering collaborations with startups, corporations, universities, and venture capitalists, they are driving advancements in sustainable mobility and beyond.
Enhanced post-investment support and growth initiatives for startups ensure continued success within this dynamic ecosystem. Through these efforts, Hyundai Motor Group is not only shaping the future of mobility but also creating meaningful contributions to global sustainability.
