A large-scale AI business event bringing together artificial intelligence (AI) technology firms and companies seeking to implement AI has kicked off in Seoul. The number of participating companies has significantly increased compared to last year, indicating a shift from research and development to the actual implementation and commercialization of AI technologies in various industries.
According to the Korea International Trade Association on August 19, the association, along with COEX and DMK Global, is hosting the 'AI Summit Seoul & Expo 2026' at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul. The event will run for three days, concluding on August 21.
This year, 118 companies from seven countries are participating, occupying 307 booths. This marks a 66.2% increase from last year's 71 companies and 197 booths. The number of pre-registered attendees has also surged, increasing nearly fivefold compared to last year. Organizers expect over 25,000 visitors to attend this year's event.
The exhibition is divided into four areas: industry-specific AI solutions, enterprise AI, generative AI, and AI experiences. Global AI companies such as Adobe, ZenSpark, and Oracle will showcase solutions and case studies applicable to industrial settings.
Business collaboration among companies is a key feature of the event. The AI Business Connecting program will see participation from over 80 companies, including AI technology firms, large and medium-sized enterprises, and investors, facilitating more than 200 one-on-one consultations. The AI Startup Forum will allow startups to present their technologies and business models while discussing potential collaborations with investors.
This year also marks the expansion of the physical AI exhibition area. A newly established humanoid robot demonstration zone will feature technologies from companies like Aegibot and Pudu Robotics. Additionally, training sessions on AI applications for overseas marketing and business automation will be conducted for industry professionals.
Key topics at the conference will include the adoption of AI in manufacturing and finance, as well as discussions on AI agents and physical AI. Representatives from global companies such as Google, Microsoft, NASA, and Seagate will share strategies for applying AI across various industries.
As the competitive landscape of the AI market shifts from securing models and technological performance to acquiring actual customers and applying solutions in industrial settings, the commercialization of AI through inter-company connections has emerged as a critical challenge.
This event is the first major private AI business gathering since the government's 'San Francisco AI Declaration' in July. The Korea International Trade Association aims to provide technology firms with opportunities to secure customers and expand internationally, while helping demand companies discover AI solutions applicable to their operations.
Jeong Hee-cheol, head of the Overseas Marketing Division at the Korea International Trade Association, stated, "There is a need for a market where technology companies and industrial demand firms can meet, collaborate, and create business opportunities alongside excellent technology development. We hope that the AI Summit Seoul & Expo will establish itself as a business platform that promotes the expansion of domestic AI companies and the industry's transition to AI."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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