BIO KOREA 2026, the nation's largest biohealth event, has concluded with the participation of 775 companies from 59 countries. With expanded involvement from global pharmaceutical companies and investment institutions, the event is being recognized as a genuine collaboration platform that goes beyond a simple exhibition.
The Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) and North Chungcheong Province announced Tuesday that BIO KOREA 2026 was held at COEX in Seoul from April 28 to 30. Now in its 21st year, the event brought together global pharmaceutical firms, domestic and overseas biotech companies, investment institutions and researchers to share the latest industry trends and collaboration opportunities.
Business partnering, the event's core program, expanded in both scale and results. This year, 858 participants from 669 companies across 34 countries took part, representing an approximately 27% increase in the number of companies and a 45% increase in participants from the previous year. A total of 1,886 meetings were held during the event, leading to discussions on technology transfers, joint research and investment.
Participation from global big pharma was also notable. Major companies including Bayer, GSK, Eli Lilly, Amgen, Johnson & Johnson, Boehringer Ingelheim, MSD, Roche, Novartis, AbbVie and Lonza attended. In particular, Lilly, MSD, Roche, Boehringer Ingelheim and Takeda Pharmaceutical have participated for three consecutive years, actively seeking out Korean technologies.
Domestic companies also participated in large numbers. Major firms including Chong Kun Dang, SK bioscience, SK Biopharmaceuticals, Daewoong Pharmaceutical, LG Chem, Yuhan Corporation and GC Cell sought to expand global collaboration. Through cooperation with the Japan Bioindustry Association, participation from Japanese companies such as Daiichi Sankyo and Takeda Pharmaceutical also expanded, strengthening the Asian cooperation network.
The exhibition featured 299 companies from 20 countries showcasing their technologies and products. National pavilions and public exhibition halls introduced technologies in various fields including AI-driven drug development, regenerative medicine and bio-data.
The conference addressed key agendas including AI and digital health, open innovation, investment trends and global expansion strategies. Global companies such as AstraZeneca, Lilly, Amgen and AbbVie participated to share AI-based drug development strategies and collaboration models.
Cases that led to actual collaboration outcomes were also introduced at the venue. A joint research agreement between Frazier Therapeutics and Yuhan Corporation, and an agreement between Sarepta Biotech and Daewoong Pharmaceutical were cited as representative examples made possible through BIO KOREA.
"BIO KOREA is establishing itself as a collaboration venue that connects technology, industry and global networks," KHIDI President Cha Soon-do said. "We will continue to develop it as a platform that supports the global expansion of domestic companies and the creation of tangible results."
