CES 2023, the world's largest technology and device exhibition held early every year, ended successfully. About 500 Korean startups also participated in this event with the help of government agencies or university startup support groups, promoting their technologies and products to the world. In some places, innovation awards are given to companies that stand out, and top innovation awards are given to companies that have drawn up advanced technological blueprints.

Startups supported by Korea University's Crimson Startup Support Group also participated in CES 2023. ▲This is ‘Bluelabs’, a startup that created water purifiers by processing discarded oyster shells.

BLUELABS “Bringing oyster shell water treatment, the standard of recycling, to the world”

BLUELABS processes oyster shells to make eco-friendly water purifiers. Jeong Sang-ho, CEO of BLUELABS, researched and developed this technology to solve the oyster shell problem in Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do, a major producing area for oysters and his hometown. Oyster shells had to be piled up and stored until now due to an inadequate system. Recycling them reduces the environmental pollution caused by oyster shells, improves the aesthetics of the city, and creates a new value of water purification. It can be said to be the standard of recycling.

CEO Jeong Sang-ho submitted his oyster shell water purification technology to CES 2023. This is to promote the positive effects, utility and value of recycling. The goal was to gain sales experience, including receiving evaluations from overseas consumers, companies, and institutions, identifying demand, and further finding business partners around the world.

<BLUELABS executives and employees at CES 2023 Bluelabs exhibition hall (Source = Bluelabs)>

As per his wish, CES 2023 participants paid attention to BLUELABS's oyster shell water purification technology. Oysters are expensive marine products overseas. The idea and technological perfection of recycling oyster shells into useful resources were enough to arouse the interest of participants. An overseas official said that the effectiveness of his country's water treatment facilities is insufficient, and expressed his desire to receive products immediately when Blue Labs' technology develops to a meaningful level.

CEO Jeong Sang-ho says that not only did he achieve his goal to some extent at CES 2023, but he also achieved results that predicted the path forward for BLUELABS. He says it was a valuable experience to participate in CES, the world's largest technology and device exhibition, with the help of Korea University, and to introduce the technology he worked hard to create to the participants. Furthermore, he said that he was motivated to join the ranks of Korean companies that achieved great results by receiving 121 CES Innovation Awards.

<CES 2023 BLUELABS exhibition hall site (Source = Blue Labs)>

BLUELABS has less than a year of experience. Nevertheless, progress has been made so quickly that the prototype of the oyster shell water purification agent has been completed and has reached the verification stage. CEO Jeong Sang-ho will use participation in CES 2023 as an opportunity to further strengthen his organizational skills and capabilities, which are his original strengths. On the other hand, he expressed his determination to find and supplement improvements that will lead to the growth of BLUELABS.

Based on this determination, BLUELABS is focusing its efforts on mass production of oyster shell water purification agent. We will participate in CES 2024 by securing research facilities and funding liquidity, and upgrading talent and technology. CEO Jeong Sang-ho's goal is to establish himself as a world example of recycling so that those who saw BLUELABS' technology and achievements at CES 2023 will gain confidence at CES 2024.