Yoon Jin-shik, chairman of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), said Thursday that "the role of startups with innovative technology is more important than ever, at a turning point where artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we live and the paradigm of industry."
Yoon made the remarks at "NextRise 2026," Asia's largest startup expo, which opened that day at COEX in Seoul's Gangnam district. "We will actively support efforts to overcome barriers between nations, industries and companies so that they can lead to tangible results," he said. Running for two days through Friday, the event is co-hosted by KITA, the Korea Development Bank (KDB), the Korea Venture Business Association and the Korean Venture Capital Association.
Now in its eighth year, this year's event is held under the slogan "Shape the Next," featuring a range of programs including booth exhibitions, business meetups, conferences and partner events. The exhibition showcases innovative technologies in future industries from some 540 domestic and international startups, spanning AI, bio, content, defense and aerospace, energy, and fintech & ICT. Global companies and venture-related organizations including Google Cloud, NVIDIA and Renault are also operating independent booths to build an innovation ecosystem.
In particular, amid K-defense's growing presence on the global stage, Hanwha Aerospace (012450.KS) participated in NextRise for the first time among Korea's comprehensive defense companies. Hanwha Aerospace set up a joint booth with 21 partner companies, exhibiting core components used in its flagship products such as the K9 self-propelled howitzer and the Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system.
Hanwha Aerospace also plans to scout ventures and startups on-site to join a total of 12 projects spanning ground weapons, guided weapons and aerospace during the event. Cha Jun-ho, head of procurement at Hanwha Aerospace, said, "Our flagship defense export equipment reaching across the world is the result of the combined capabilities and efforts of our partner companies," adding, "We will continue to fulfill our social responsibility to achieve not only the growth of Korea's defense ecosystem but also the advancement of its technology."
Big tech companies leading the global AI industry also gathered in the largest numbers ever. Officials from AI tech companies including Anthropic, OpenAI, Palantir and Perplexity will roam the venue, seeking opportunities to collaborate with domestic startups.
France was invited as this year's guest of honor, marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and France. Clara Chappaz, France's ambassador for digital affairs and AI who oversees the country's AI strategy, and Philippe Bertoux, the French ambassador to Korea, responded with a message of cooperation between the startup ecosystems of the two countries. At the France national pavilion, leading companies such as Renault, Veolia and Stellantis joined alongside some 20 startups.
