Seoul Labs Hosts Faculty and Students from National University of Laos

 

• Seoul Labs Shares Korea’s Blockchain, Fintech and Startup Support Ecosystem and Updates on Laos ODA Project

Seoul Labs, a blockchain and fintech startup, hosted a delegation of around 10 faculty members, researchers, and students from the National University of Laos (NUOL) to share updates on its KOICA Official Development Assistance (ODA) project for digital transformation in Laos and discuss opportunities for future collaboration.

Seoul Labs held the exchange event on September 1 at the Seoul Fintech Lab’s 8th-floor conference room in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, with a delegation from the National University of Laos. The visit was arranged as part of the delegation’s training program on software (SW) and artificial intelligence (AI) in Korea. The delegation visited Seoul Labs, which is currently implementing a digital student ID system project in Laos.

During the event, Seoul Labs introduced the company and its blockchain and fintech technologies, while also presenting Korea’s startup support ecosystem and programs designed to support overseas expansion. The company also shared updates on its ongoing ODA project in Laos.

The delegation had the opportunity to explore the digital student ID and integrated academic administration systems currently being developed by Seoul Labs in Laos and exchanged feedback on their usability. Seoul Labs plans to incorporate feedback from local users to further improve the systems and expand their pilot implementation.

Seoul Labs is carrying out the Creative Technology Solution (CTS) Seed2 program under KOICA. CTS is an ODA program that applies innovative technologies and ideas developed by startups and other organizations to help address challenges in developing countries. The Seed2 program supports the local commercialization and pilot implementation of technologies that have already been developed.

As part of the project, Seoul Labs is working to introduce a blockchain-based Decentralized Identity (DID) digital student ID, an integrated academic administration system, and an electronic certificate issuance system at universities in Laos, including the National University of Laos.

The services being developed include mobile student ID issuance and QR code-based attendance verification, integrated with university academic administration. In addition to introducing digital technologies, a key objective of the project is to strengthen the digital capabilities of local students and faculty members.

By applying blockchain-based DID technology, digital certificates can be made more resistant to forgery or tampering compared with paper-based certificates, while their authenticity can be verified immediately upon issuance. QR codes can also be used to verify identity and attendance even in areas with inconsistent telecommunications infrastructure. In addition, users can selectively provide only the information required for a specific purpose, helping reduce unnecessary exposure of personal information.

Laos has also been accelerating its nationwide digital transformation efforts. On July 18, 2026, the Lao Ministry of Public Security officially launched the LAeID electronic identification application nationwide, linking it to the country’s national citizen database. The government is also working to transition existing paper-based administrative and identity verification systems to digital platforms.

Seoul Labs expects that introducing digital identity services at universities in Laos, where mobile technology adoption is rapidly expanding, will provide local users with opportunities to gain practical experience with digital technologies and strengthen their ability to access and utilize them.

The company also sees potential for the DID-based identity and digital certificate model validated through university-level implementation to eventually connect with Laos’s national electronic identity infrastructure.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration networks by helping Korean startups and members of the Lao university community better understand each other’s business environments and digital transformation needs. Seoul Labs plans to continue its engagement with the National University of Laos, enhance the practical applicability of its ongoing project, and establish a foundation for sustainable long-term cooperation.

Meanwhile, Seoul Labs is also expanding its international partnerships and foundation for overseas market entry. On July 7, the company jointly received the CVC Innovation Award, presented by CVC Capital Partners, at the Global ImpactPreneur 2026 Demo Day, co-hosted by the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre and the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation.

More recently, Seoul Labs was selected as one of the final 10 startups for the 2026 Startup·Venture Campus (SVC) program, organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development. The SVC program supports Korean startups in entering European markets, including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Spain.

The Laos ODA project represents one pillar of Seoul Labs’ strategy to enter emerging digital identity markets. Building on its experience in Laos, the company plans to expand its business footprint across Asia and Europe.