From sparks to success: Bringing Canadian innovation to front line workers in South Korea

Founded in Hamilton, Ontario, Longan Vision Corporation began its global expansion as a youth-owned business led by a young and ambitious team focused on advancing emergency response through technology. The company was co-founded in 2018 by a group of McMaster University graduates, as a startup focused on developing smart technology for firefighters. Early on, the team identified a critical gap in visibility and communication tools for first responders. These insights directly informed the creation of their flagship product. Today, the company continues to grow its international footprint in the information and communications technologies (ICT) sector. 

Among its innovations is the Fusion Vision System (FVS), an augmented reality smart visor that attaches to a firefighter’s helmet and supports frontline operations in challenging conditions. The FVS is helping modernize firefighting tools and tactics, designed to: 

• enhance visibility through smoke
• detect victims and fire sources
• support real-time information sharing

Equipped with thermal imaging and edge-enhancing features, the system helps firefighters see beyond what’s visible to the eye, improving decision-making and situational awareness in high-risk environments. As Longan Vision set its sights on international growth, it began to build momentum in the Republic of Korea, with support from the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS), where its innovative approach is now being embraced by emergency services.

Longan Vision’s journey into South Korea’s emergency response market began in early 2022, when the company started exploring ways to bring its augmented reality technology to a new audience. The company’s first export market was Japan, due to the country’s strong emphasis on advanced firefighting technologies, rigorous safety standards, and openness to innovative solutions through structured field trials. Following successful deployments and positive feedback from Japanese fire departments, Longan Vision gained visibility across Asia. This regional traction sparked interest from other technologically advanced nations, particularly South Korea, which shares similar priorities around firefighter safety, smart-city infrastructure, and emergency response innovation. Recognizing the potential to replicate the success seen in Japan, Longan Vision set its sights on South Korea as the next strategic market.

To navigate the unfamiliar market and assess a potential local partner, the team turned to the TCS at the Embassy of Canada in Seoul. With their support, Longan Vision began laying the groundwork for international expansion. The TCS helped evaluate the local distributor, Fire Emergency Rescue Supply (FERS), by conducting due diligence and providing strategic advice aligned with the company’s goals. As the relationship developed, Longan Vision and FERS signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore a formal distribution partnership.

With ongoing support from the TCS team, Longan Vision shipped a demo unit of its FVS visor to FERS in June 2022. The product was later featured in a live demonstration at the Gyeonggi Fire Academy in May 2023 and showcased at the Fire and Safety Expo Korea, helping the company gain valuable visibility among emergency services and public safety officials. These efforts led to FERS placing orders for more visor units. Interest from other agencies soon followed, including the Daegu Central 119 Rescue Department. In November 2024, Longan Vision began delivering units through FERS to Korea’s National 119 Rescue Services for helmet-mounted thermal imaging systems. This initial order marked an important milestone in the company’s export journey. Discussions are now underway for a larger-scale procurement over the next three years.

Longan Vision continues to expand its presence in South Korea, including under a government-led initiative focused on firefighting technology valued at $18 million. The company is also developing a lower-cost version of its augmented reality system based on feedback from the Korean National Fire Department.

Longan Vision’s progress in South Korea highlights the value of early-stage support and sustained in-market engagement. Throughout this process, the TCS team in Seoul worked closely with the company to assess potential partners and advise on next steps in the partnership process. The TCS also helped facilitate communication with local stakeholders, identify opportunities for growth, and share insights about trade events. This hands-on guidance allowed the company to build trust, overcome early challenges, and better understand the landscape of Korea’s firefighting equipment sector. With a vast network of Trade Commissioners in more than 160 cities worldwide, our local knowledge, expertise and contacts can help open doors and access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach for smaller businesses.

The company’s early success as a youth-owned business helped lay the foundation for its global growth, demonstrating how young entrepreneurs can lead high-impact innovations in critical sectors like public safety and technology. In line with Canada’s inclusive approach to trade, the TCS is also committed to ensuring that Canada’s exporters are representative of the country’s diversity. We offer tailored support to businesses owned by members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in international trade, such as:

• women 
• Black and other racialized groups
• Indigenous Peoples
• 2SLGBTQI+
• youth-owned businesses

This support often comes from diversity champions in our regional offices in Canada, but also from our colleagues abroad. In addition, the Trade Commissioners promote upcoming events or initiatives and identify opportunities for women and exporters from diverse backgrounds, connecting them to relevant programs and resources, and people who can help. The TCS works to ensure youth-led and other underrepresented businesses can access the full benefits of global markets and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) Canada has with many countries around the world.