K-Beauty and Bio Startup Showcase Held at National Day Reception in Egypt

On Thursday, October 1, the Korea-Africa Foundation, led by President Kim Young-chae, partnered with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Egypt to host a K-Beauty and Bio showcase at the Ambassador’s Residence in Cairo. The showcase was designed to help six Korean age-tech startups enter the local market.

The exhibition was held alongside the National Day reception marking the 31st anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Egypt. Around 400 guests attended, including senior Egyptian government officials, business leaders, journalists, and influencers.

Through the 2026 Global Accelerating Support Program, overseen by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and managed by the Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development, the Foundation is supporting six Korean age-tech startups in expanding into the Egyptian and Moroccan markets. Built on cooperation with the Korean Embassy in Egypt, this showcase connected the Foundation’s existing market entry program with a diplomatic and cultural event. It reflects the spirit of the “K-Initiative,” which aims to turn global interest in Korean culture into market opportunities and economic cooperation for Korean companies.

Six companies took part: five beauty companies, K-Style Hub, Wellbiz International, Peanut, STU, and Gopa, along with bio company NX Biomed. They presented a wide range of innovative products and technologies, from skincare and scalp and hair care products to bio materials that help restore oral function, and gave guests the chance to try the products firsthand.

The National Day reception also featured a rich cultural program. Following the national anthems of both countries and congratulatory remarks, the Egyptian national taekwondo team gave a demonstration, and students from the Korean Language Department at Ain Shams University performed samulnori, a traditional Korean percussion ensemble, adding to the spirit of friendship and exchange between the two countries.

Going forward, the Korea-Africa Foundation will continue to work with the K-Initiative to help turn interest in Korean culture into tangible overseas business results for Korean companies. The Foundation plans to strengthen cooperation with Korean diplomatic missions and local partner organizations, and to keep supporting Korean startups as they expand their business networks in African markets.

▲ Group photo with Kim Wan-joong, Korean Ambassador to Egypt, Counsellor Seong Hwa-su, the six participating companies, and Korea-Africa Foundation staff

▲ Crowds gathered at the showcase

▲ View of the showcase

▲ DERMANIQUE

▲ NXBiomed

▲ Bephor (GOOPPA)

▲ K-Style Hub

▲ Wellbiz International

▲ Youth O’Clock (STU)

▲ View of the Ambassador’s Residence