Katrien Marent

Speaker

Katrien Marent

EVP & Chief Marketing and Communications Officer - imec

Biography

Katrien has an engineering degree in microelectronics. She joined imec in 1992 as analog design engineer and specialized in design of low-noise readout electronics for high-energy physics. In 1999, she became press responsible and scientific editor at imec's business development division and was responsible for authoring and editing the research organization's numerous company technical documents and publications. In 2001, she was appointed corporate communications director at imec. Her responsibilities expanded in August 2007, when she got the position of external communications director including corporate, marketing and outreach communications.  In October 2016, she became VP corporate, marketing and outreach communication. Since April 2020 she is Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and member of the executive board of imec.

Talk(s)

1:30 PM

Welcome

4:50 PM

Panel on exploring challenges and opportunities for deep-tech venturing in South Korea and South East Asia

The potential impact of deep-tech startups is profound, as they aim to address some of the most pressing and complex challenges in fields such as health, mobility, energy, and computing. These startups leverage advanced technologies, scientific breakthroughs, and innovative engineering to create disruptive solutions. However, bringing such solutions to market involves overcoming significant challenges, including bridging the gap between innovative ideas and practical, market-ready products, gaining access to the right infrastructure and expertise, and securing strategic partners and investors who understand the deep-tech landscape.

In recent years, South Korea's deep-tech ecosystem has experienced remarkable growth, positioning itself as a significant player in the global market. This growth is driven by robust government support, a strong industrial base, and a growing number of venture capitalists and startups. South Korea is home to global industry leaders which are heavily investing in R&D and venture initiatives, further advancing deep-tech innovations.

This panel will delve into the opportunities for deep-tech startups in South Korea and Southeast Asia, focusing on building a solid business foundation, including market validation, investor relations, access to technologies, expertise, and infrastructure, as well as leveraging a global network to ensure long-term success. Panelists will discuss strategies to accelerate the deep-tech venturing landscape and explore the unique advantages and challenges faced by startups in this dynamic region.