About STEP-UP

STEP-UP 2025 At a Glance

KSEA proudly announces its 6th “Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Partners’ Upscale Program (STEP-UP 2025)” which will take place in Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA on May 17 ~ 18, 2025. The STEP-UP aims to promote and enrich the entrepreneurship & partnership activities among KSEA members and other stakeholders. This year’s theme is “Bridging Ideas to Markets” and we're excited to offer a range of dynamic programs designed to help technology startups achieve success.

Our Showcase of Success sessions will feature successful startups sharing their insider knowledge and know-hows of success. For those looking to take their startups to the next level, our Road to Success Sessions will cover critical topics such as marketing, business laws, intellectual properties (IP), and fundraising. You will also have the opportunity to pitch your current or future venture to potential investors and network with your future partners. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned founder, we have something for you at STEP-UP 2025. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, network, and grow your startup!

The STEP-UP 2025 will be held as an in-person program, and selected attendees will receive travel and lodging support. We look forward to welcoming you at STEP-UP 2025 in Los Angeles!

STEP-UP 2025 Highlights

• Presentations from leading experts in the tech, CPG and entertainment industries.

• Elevator Pitch and Startup Pitch program

• Travel & lodging support for attendees

• Additional support and networking events for YG/YP members

Registration Dates:

• Registration opens: March 19, 2025

• Early Registration (up to $400 discount) ends: May 2, 2025

• Registration closes: May 9, 2025 (or the maximum number of seats (100) is reached.)

Registration Fees:

• Regular registration fee: $500

• $100 early registration discount (Register by May 2 and get $100 discount)

• $200 KSEA member discount*

• $300 KSEA undergraduate/graduate students and postdoc discount*

     * Subject to membership verification. Visit https://ksea.org to check your membership status.

Support for Attendees:

 (Current KSEA membership and full attendance to the sessions are required)

• Travel support: Up to $100 for airfare and driving mileage (minimum 150 miles)

• Lodging: 2 nights for a double occupancy room (2 people/room)

     -  Single occupancy is available at an additional $90 per night.

• Meals: 3 meals are provided (Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday lunch)

• Networking dinners are provided at discounted rates ($30 for 5/16 & 5/18) on Friday & Sunday.

About the Korean American Scientists & Engineers Association (KSEA)

KSEA was established in 1971 as a non-profit professional organization and has grown to over 6,000 registered members with 70 local chapters (including four Branches) and 13 technical groups across the United States.

Vision

The organization’s objectives are to:

• Promote the application of science and technology for the general welfare of society

• Foster international cooperation especially between the U.S. and Korea

• Help Korean-American Scientists and Engineers develop their full career potential

Mission

To provide, in the areas of science, technology, and entrepreneurship, opportunities for:

• International Cooperation

• Career Development

• Community Service

Membership Benefits

• Leadership development through committee activities and conference organization

• You may participate in any of the 14 Technical Groups and 10 Standing Committees. You may organize technical sessions at the annual U.S.-Korea Conference on Science, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (UKC) or organize a regional or local conference of your own.

• Development of a broad professional foundation

• KSEA is unique in that its members come from all fields of science and engineering. The UKC offers an excellent opportunity to collaborate with other professionals who work in different fields.

• Networking with other Korean-American scientists and engineers

• Join the Technical Groups and Committees, or come to the annual conference, UKC.

• You may use KSEA Office while in DC

• If you need a temporary office while in DC, you may come to the KSEA Headquarters office. Nominal charges may apply for office support or supplies.

• Participation in technical evaluation and consulting

• KSEA will contact you when your expertise is sought after.

Activities

• Annual Meeting & Technical Conference

• Publication of KSEA Letters

• National Math & Science Competition

• Young Investigator Grants

• Scholarships

• Young Generation programs

• Exchange Programs

• Job Referrals

• Career Development Programs

• Sponsored Projects

• Technical Evaluation and Consulting

• Topical Symposia/Workshops

• Library Service

• Database Development

• Sponsorship of Conferences

• Awards and Honors

• Science & Technology Programs for General Public

• Web and E-mail Services

• Global Training Program

• R&D Demand Projects

Regional Programs

• Regional technical conferences

• Young generation programs

• Seminars/Workshops

Membership Fee (Annual Dues)

• $35 for Regular Members

• $15 for Graduate Students

• Free for Undergraduate Students

• $35 for International Members

• Free for KSEA Honorary and Distinguished Service Members

For more information, visit https://www.ksea.org.