NextRise 2026 Marks a Successful Conclusion for Asia's Startup Fair in Seoul

NextRise 2026: A Successful Venture into Asia's Startup Ecosystem

NextRise 2026, held in Seoul's COEX from June 18 to 19, marked a significant milestone as Asia's leading startup fair, co-organized by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) and Korea Development Bank (KDB). This year's event featured a record turnout of over 540 startups, including around 140 international companies hailing from 30 different countries.

The fair provided a dynamic platform where these startups showcased cutting-edge technologies at their booths. Among the notable participants were heavyweights like LG, CJ, Hanwha Aerospace, Google Cloud, and Renault, all eager to forge collaborations with emerging businesses.

One of the highlights of the event was a large-scale business matchmaking program, recognized as one of Asia's foremost in its category. This initiative facilitated more than 4,000 consultation sessions across over 170 booths. It effectively connected startups with major global corporations, investors, and partners from the venture capital ecosystem, showcasing tangible opportunities for cooperation and investment.

Expert Insights and Global Trends

The conference program was equally impressive, comprising over 60 expert-led sessions that discussed global trends and practical insights into various strategic industries of the future. Topics included artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, the creative industry, and defense sectors. Noteworthy presentations featured Marc Manara from OpenAI, discussing the upcoming era of AI, and Robert Langer from MIT, who spoke on advancements in bio-innovation. Other distinguished speakers included Hee-jun Lee from CJ CheilJedang, addressing sustainable growth within South Korea's food industry, and Man-Ki Kim from KAIST, who delved into applications of dual-use technologies.

Additionally, NextRise 2026 introduced a range of innovative programs to boost participation in the venture capital ecosystem. These included experience zones that allowed visitors to familiarize themselves with future unicorn technologies, such as humanoid robots, AI drones for security, and interactive programs tailored for startups and job fairs. These initiatives also connected emerging businesses with young AI developers through personalized recruitment meetings.

Recognizing Excellence in Innovation

In a celebration of innovation, 32 startups were honored at the NextRise 2026 Awards. Among the prestigious awards, MangoBoost (AI infrastructure) and AmtixBio (biotechnology/health) were celebrated as the Best Innovators. The Next Innovator award was presented to several standout companies including MakinaRocks (physical AI), EverEx (digital health), and CSO (space technology). Furthermore, accolades for Rise to Innovation were awarded to names like Qunova Computing (quantum computing) and LSCM (advanced materials).

International Recognition and Future Directions

The event also recognized international innovators with the Global Innovator Award, showcasing firms like Ionic Wind (thermal technology) and NE Innovations (sustainable materials). A spokesperson from KITA remarked, "In this critical juncture of transformative change, where AI is reshaping our lifestyles and industrial paradigms, the role of startups with innovative technologies has never been more crucial. KITA is committed to fostering these innovations that can break barriers between government, industries, and enterprises to produce tangible results."

In conclusion, NextRise 2026 not only highlighted Asia's vibrant startup landscape but also set the stage for future collaborations and innovations. As the world continues to evolve, events like this will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between emerging technologies and established corporations.