#South Korea #Seoul #KITA #KDB #NextRise 2026

Summary of NextRise 2026

The NextRise 2026 event, held in Seoul from June 18 to 19, marked a significant milestone in the Asian startup landscape. Co-hosted by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) and the Korea Development Bank (KDB), this year’s fair attracted an impressive lineup of over 540 startups, including 140 international participants from around 30 countries. Hosted at the COEX in Samseong-dong, the event served as a platform for showcasing groundbreaking technologies and fostering essential connections within the startup ecosystem.

Major Highlights

One of the key attractions of NextRise 2026 was the largest startup showcase in the event's history. Companies had the opportunity to present their latest innovations through dedicated exhibition booths. Prominent global corporates such as LG, CJ, Hanwha Aerospace, Google Cloud, and Renault attended with the aim of discovering potential synergies with emerging startups. The 1-on-1 business meetup program, notable for being one of Asia’s largest, facilitated over 4,000 consultations across 170 booths, bridging startups with significant corporate partners, investors, and venture ecosystem contacts to foster tangible collaboration and investment opportunities.

Additionally, the conference program featured more than 60 expert sessions addressing vital themes within strategic industries. Noteworthy sessions were led by industry leaders including Marc Manara from OpenAI, who discussed future advancements in AI; Robert Langer, co-founder of Moderna, focused on bio-innovation; and Professor Man-Ki Kim from KAIST, who presented applications for dual-use technologies. These insights were crucial for startups aiming to expand globally and adapt to rapidly changing industry demands.

New On-Site Programs

In a bid to engage more participants in the venture landscape, NextRise 2026 introduced innovative on-site activities. Experience zones showcased technologies from prospective unicorn candidates, including humanoid robots, AI-driven drones, and security innovations. The event also incorporated startup and job-fair programs, which connected startups with talented young AI developers through targeted recruitment meetups.

Awards and Recognitions

As a highlight of the event, the NextRise 2026 Awards recognized 32 startups for their exceptional contributions and innovations in various fields. Categories included:

• - Top Innovator Prize: Awarded to MangoBoost (AI infrastructure) and AmtixBio (Bio/Healthcare).
• - Next Innovator Prize: Recognizing MakinaRocks (Physical AI), EverEx (Digital healthcare), I.T.Science (Defense/Aerospace), CSO (Space technology), ROBROS (Humanoid robotics), IMT (Digital healthcare), BEI (Battery technology), and JJCOMPANIES (Maritime decarbonization).
• - Rise Innovator Prize: Honored Qunova Computing (Quantum/HPC), WithPoints (Robotics automation), EYL Inc. (Quantum security), Shutagen (Physical AI/Manufacturing), GoLe Robotics (Construction robotics), and Hurotics (Wearable robotics).
• - International Innovator Prize: Recognized top startups including Ionic Wind (Thermal technology), Ti Intelligence (Brain-computer interface), Chosen Digital (EV energy software), and Hybrid Lidar Systems AG (LiDAR sensors), amongst others.

The event's success underscores the growing importance of startups in the evolving technological landscape. As noted by KITA officials, the critical role of startups with innovative solutions cannot be overstated, particularly at a time of significant transformation driven largely by advancements in AI. KITA remains dedicated to supporting these innovations to transcend barriers across governmental, industrial, and corporate lines, paving the way for impactful results in the future of the startup ecosystem.

Conclusion

With its comprehensive showcase of talent and innovation, NextRise 2026 has set a high benchmark for future startup fairs in Asia. By facilitating meaningful connections and engaging discussions, the event has undoubtedly contributed to the explosive growth and evolution of the startup culture across the region.