About Us
The Explorers of What
Lies Near the Earth
Nearthlab was founded in 2015 by a team driven to explore what lies Near the Earth. Co-founders Jay Choi (CEO) and Youngsuk Chung (CTO) — who first met in high school and graduated together from KAIST’s Department of Aerospace Engineering — started with a bold ambition: transforming facility safety inspections using AI-powered autonomous drone software. Since then, Nearthlab has integrated its flight technology into a full-stack platform, protecting lives and critical infrastructure across defense, and industrial inspection.
We believe drones represent the next major evolution in Earth observation, carrying forward the legacy of satellites. By combining advanced computer vision and AI algorithms with cutting-edge digital twin solutions, Nearthlab converts raw physical data into fast, accurate, and actionable insights. From data collection to final decision-making, we drastically reduce time and costs while upholding a fundamental principle: the best technology must be the easiest to use.
Just as satellites in Low Earth Orbit opened new horizons for humanity, our mission is to capture data from an even closer perspective — Near Earth. We bring a new vantage point to the world, laying the groundwork for a safer and smarter future.
Protecting what matters most. We believe technological advancement should fundamentally serve people. At Nearthlab, we leverage Physical AI to safeguard what matters most: life, safety, and our shared future.
Aerial Intelligence by the Numbers
- 40+
Countries in Commercial Operation
- 100K+
Cumulative Blade Inspections
- 99.9%+
Mission Success Rate
- 126
Patent Portfolio (37 Registered · 89 Pending)
Our robust IP estate includes 126 patent filings (37 granted · 89 pending), 46 trademarks, 12 design registrations, and 7 software copyrights. We’ve secured an end-to-end patent barrier across perception, navigation, guidance, and control—creating a defensible moat across our entire autonomous flight stack.
Our Team
About 50% of Nearthlab's team are engineering experts driving AI and data science forward. We blend deep technical rigor with talent from surprisingly diverse fields—from fighter pilots and defense veterans to venture capitalists and fashion innovators. United by a shared mission, this unique cross-industry collaboration powers everything we build.
Jay Choi CEO (Co-Founder)
B.S. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from KAIST; formerly an industrial systems engineer at Doosan Heavy Industries. Brings hands-on experience operating large-scale, mission-critical industrial systems.
Youngseok Chung CTO (Co-Founder)
B.S. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from KAIST; formerly a flight control software engineer at Satrec Initiative. Brings a track record developing space-grade precision flight control software.
Company Overview
- Company Name
- Nearthlab Co., Ltd.
- CEO
- Jaehyuk Choi
- Founded
- May 14, 2015
- Headquarters
- 3F, AJ Building, 9 Jeongui-ro 8-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (05836)
- Overseas Subsidiaries
- Nearthlab America, Inc. (USA) / Nearthlab Europe GmbH (Germany)
- General Inquiries
- T. 02-566-1574 · E. business@nearthlab.com
Company History
Awards & Certifications
- 2023Forbes Asia '100 to Watch'
- 2024Davos Forum Technology Pioneers
- 2024Selected for Ministry of SMEs and Startups' 'Global Innovative Startups 1000+'
- 2025First in Korea to Earn Excellent Drone Operator Certification
- 2025US Edison Awards
- 2025iF Design Award (Gold)
- 2025Fast company 'Most Innovative Companies'
- 2025Korea Technology Grand Award (Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award)
- 2025106th IR52 Jang Young-sil Award (Korea's most prestigious industrial technology award)
Certifications held: ISO 9001, ISO 27001, '100 Defense Innovation Companies,' Inno-Biz (Technology-Innovative SME) AA rating, Excellent Drone Operator certification