The two-day event drew participation from 23 global giants, including Google Cloud, LG, and Renault, who utilized the platform to scout emerging technologies. Central to the fair’s success was a massive business matchmaking program, which facilitated over 4,000 individual consultations between startups and potential investors. Beyond networking, the conference featured 60 expert sessions covering high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and defense, with insights from industry leaders like OpenAI’s Marc Manara and Moderna co-founder Robert Langer.
NextRise 2026 Concludes in Seoul with Record Startup Participation
More than 540 startups from 30 countries gathered at Seoul's COEX center this June for NextRise 2026, the largest iteration of the event to date. Co-hosted by the Korea International Trade Association and Korea Development Bank, the fair served as a focal point for global corporate collaboration and venture investment.
New interactive zones allowed attendees to engage with prototypes from future unicorn candidates, showcasing advancements in humanoid robotics, AI-driven drones, and security systems. The event culminated in the presentation of the NextRise 2026 Awards, recognizing 32 companies for their breakthroughs. MangoBoost and AmtixBio claimed the Top Innovator prizes, while a diverse cohort of international firms—ranging from brain-computer interface developers to maritime decarbonization specialists—received accolades for their contributions to the global venture ecosystem. KITA officials emphasized that the fair aims to bridge the gap between national industrial paradigms and agile startup innovation to ensure long-term, tangible economic growth.
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