KIMES 2024

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  • Ending successfully with notable achievements including domestic consumption and export consulting worth KRW 2.4 trillion
  • Over 1,350 domestic and foreign manufacturers participated and presented over 35,000 related products.
  • Establishing itself as a global exhibition by showing overwhelming exhibition scale and outstanding results

The 39th Korea International Medical & Hospital Equipment Show (KIMES 2024) concluded its four-day run on March 17.
This exhibition showed significant results in many areas, including the increasing number of participating companies, higher visitor numbers, and export consultation amounts. It is evaluated as an exhibition that not only served as a bridgehead for domestic companies’ overseas expansion, but also reflected the latest trends in medical device and IT technology convergence, and the current and future directions of medical-device artificial intelligence (AI).

Significant achievements such as attracting 70,760 visitors — and conducting domestic and export consultations worth KRW 2.4 trillion
This year’s KIMES 2024 was held throughout the entire area of the COEX exhibition halls and lobby, with a total area of 40,700 m2. About 1,350 domestic and foreign manufacturers participated in the exhibition, introducing over 35,000 items including convergence medical devices, hospital equipment, medical-information systems, healthcare and rehabilitation devices, and medical-related supplies.
Over a period of four days, a total of 70,760 domestic and foreign visitors, including 4,274 overseas buyers, visited the exhibition and enjoyed various associated and side events such as booths, seminars, conferences, academic conferences, and giveaway events.
In addition, KIMES 2024 held the 2024 Global Medical Equipment Plaza (GMEP) in collaboration with KOTRA, matching 143 prospective buyers in the medical-device field from 40 countries around the world with 320 Korean companies, and thereby conducting a total of 1,800 export consultations.
At this year’s export consultation meeting, there were meaningful achievements — including the signing of an export contract worth more than $US 10 million, which is double the amount of the previous year, along with the signing of an export contract for laparoscopic robotic surgery devices worth $US 1 million.

Various eye-catching related events and side events were held for new medical trends and business environments
Held concurrently with this exhibition MedicomteK 2024 (Medical Device Components & Materials Technology Exhibition) reflected the growing interest in cutting-edge parts and materials as the scope of the medical industry expands through convergence with new technologies, drawing the keen attention of visitors.
In addition, the Global Healthcare & Medical Tourism Conference (Medical Korea 2024), aimed at exchanging international medical trends and expanding global networks, was also held concurrently, and achieved great results. First, a total of 660 consultations were conducted through connections between overseas purchasing companies engaged in sending foreign patients, and the domestic medical industry. Overseas buyers representing 81 companies from 25 countries — including the United States, the UAE, Russia, China, and Mongolia — participated in the business meetings, plus 174 Korean companies.
At this year’s Medical Korea 2024, a total of 37 business agreements were signed regarding attracting foreign patients and expanding medical services overseas, and consultations related to overseas expansion worth $6.1 million were achieved.

Becoming a leading exhibition in the industry through practicing ESG and considering customer convenience
In particular, this year’s KIMES was held as an exhibition practicing ESG in collaboration with Seoul Metropolitan Government, COEX, and EXPORUM, and received a good response.
KIMES 2024 established sustainable event goals in accordance with the Seoul Global Exhibition ESG Operation Cooperation Agreement signed with the Seoul Metropolitan Government last October. Based on this, exhibition organizers operated ESG programs such as the participation campaign for ESG operation, distribution of digital guidebooks, use of reused/recycled materials during construction, souvenirs made of eco-friendly materials, and connection with local communities.
In addition, the official KIMES application was prepared to facilitate the convenience of visitors. Support was provided regarding exhibition information, participating companies and exhibits information, seminar registration and inquiries, personalized information service, and route guidance through location determination — drawing positive feedback from participants and visitors.
A spokesperson for the exhibition organizer, Korea E&EX, explained, “It is meaningful to successfully conclude the exhibition that dealt with the future of the convergence medical industry — with 70,760 visitors, including 4,274 overseas buyers,” adding, “We will continue striving to support domestic companies in developing overseas markets, and serve as a bridgehead for them entering overseas medical device markets.”


 
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BEXCO, Advancing to Becomea Global MICE Platform in 2024

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From a Local Landmark to a Global Player : BEXCO’s Path to Success in 2024

Busan Exhibition & Convention Center (BEXCO), as a landmark of Busan, an international maritime city and a hub of logistics in Northeast Asia, launched its successful history as a global-standard convention and exhibition center with the Busan International Motor Show in September 2001.
BEXCO features a large pillar-free exhibition space that is fully flexible for any size of event, as well as meeting rooms, outdoor exhibition space, modern facilities, convention halls, and auditorium for large-scale international conferences and meetings.
With its innovative facilities, excellent accessibility, and superb customer service, BEXCO hosts large-scale international exhibitions, including the Busan International Mobility Show, Environment & Energy Tech (ENTECH), World Climate Industry EXPO (WCE), and the Global Game Exhibition (G-STAR).
In addition, BEXCO has established itself as an exhibition convention center with unparalleled competitiveness in Northeast Asia by hosting a diversity of international conferences and events, such as: APEC 2005 Korea, ASEAN-Republic of KOREA Commemorative Summit 2019, and more.
BEXCO remains at the forefront of digitalization, a current trend in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. The digital twin accurately replicates the entire convention hall, providing realistic spatial information on an official website. This innovative feature enables customers to virtually explore event venues and simulate setups, granting them the convenience to plan and make informed

decisions from anywhere in the world. Event organizers, both domestic and international, can now conduct comprehensive facility tours and streamline their decision-making processes without the need for physical visits, ultimately saving valuable time and resources.
BEXCO is situated in the heart of Busan’s fastest growing and most dynamic commercial area. The Center features convenient amenities including beautiful natural scenery and beaches of Haeundae and Gwanganri, 5-star-hotels and other accommodation to suit all budgets, shopping centers and other attractions for leisure and vacation.
Additionally, its state-of-the-art facilities enable BEXCO to host any kind of exhibitions. The pillar-free exhibition space can withstand five tons of weight per 1m2 for heavy equipment. BEXCO also provides easy vehicle access for exhibits, booth construction and breakdown, a wide variety of choices for events with modern and advanced facilities including plumbing system, electricity supply, and communications system on-site. With a ceiling height ranging from 12.5 to 22.5 meters, each exhibition hall is ideally suited for hosting extensive international trade shows. The complete view of the exhibition hall from the organizer’s offices helps the organizers to remain constantly in touch with the exhibition and the exhibitors.
Construction of the new exhibition center is expected to meet demand for larger exhibition and meeting space. The third exhibition center will be a state-of-the-art building that will alleviate the lack of sufficient exhibition space, and will also help BEXCO to become a global MICE platform, driving economic and social development in the local region.
Currently, BEXCO offers a total of 46,000 square meters of exhibition space, and will provide more event space upon completion of the new venue. Besides holding large-scale exhibitions and high-level conferences, the venue can also host various events such as performing arts, cultural activities, sporting events, and scientific and technological experiential conferences.
With the new facilities, the Center will be able to host a wider variety of international events and provide the highest level of service, thus ensuring BEXCO’s future as a symbolic landmark of Busan, a city with global


 
 
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Embracing the World: EXCO, South Korea’s Premier Exhibition & Convention Center

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Pioneering Global Connectivity

Established to support the export of regional industries and energize the economy, EXCO, South Korea’s leading exhibition and convention center, has been a cornerstone of economic growth since its inception in 1995. As the first non-capital region-based convention center in South Korea, it opened in 2001, becoming a central platform for the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) industry in the region.
EXCO’s journey to becoming a global exhibition and convention center is marked by hosting significant international events. These include the 22nd World Energy Congress in 2013, the 7th World Water Forum in 2015, the International Society for Education through Art in 2017, and the 10th IBRO World Congress of Neuroscience in 2019. A landmark achievement was the successful hosting of the ‘World Gas Conference 2022’, often referred to as the ‘Olympics of the Gas Industry’, in May 2022.

Preparing for the Future

As EXCO approaches its 30th anniversary in 2025, the region anticipates enhanced global accessibility with the opening of the New Daegu-Gyeongbuk Airport in 2030. This development is expected to significantly boost visitor access to Daegu. In anticipation, EXCO is focused on improving profitability and enhancing its unique brand through passionate employee engagement and comprehensive marketing strategies by 2024.

Enhancing Regional Economy and Industry

EXCO plays a pivotal role in revitalizing the regional economy by hosting exhibitions that promote Daegu’s future industries such as ABB (AI, Big Data, Blockchain), UAM (Urban Air Mobility), healthcare, robotics, and the semiconductor industry. The International Green Energy Expo, a leading renewable energy exhibition, and the International Fire & Safety Expo Korea, the largest of its kind in the domestic fire safety field, have both seen record participation and are poised for further expansion in 2024.

The Daegu International Future Auto&Mobility Expo (DIFA), previously organized by Daegu City, was elevated to a government event co-hosted with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy last year. This collaboration has significantly expanded the exhibition’s scale, contributing to the regional economy by fostering cooperation in the UAM and drone sectors. The International Electric Power Industry Expo Korea showcases the future direction of Gyeongsangbuk-do’s nuclear and electric industries, and the upcoming Medi Expo Korea 2024, held concurrently with KOAMEX, will display cutting-edge trends in the medical industry. Additionally, EXCO organizes various industry exhibitions like K-FOOD EXPO and Daegu Machinery Expo (DAMEX), aiding in corporate market expansion.

Expanding Global MICE Capabilities

In 2024, EXCO aims to continue enhancing its operational rate and vitalize the MICE industry by attracting new exhibitions and conventions. Collaborating with MICE-related organizations, international bodies, central government, and local governments, EXCO plans to bring government rotating exhibitions, previously limited to the capital region, to Daegu. This initiative will support local small and medium enterprises in developing customized technologies and products that reflect government policies and industry trends.

Preparing for the Future Airport and Specialized Exhibitions

In preparation for the opening of the New Daegu-Gyeongbuk Airport in 2030, EXCO, along with Daegu Metropolitan City and Gyeongsangbuk-do, plans to host new exhibitions related to future airports. Given the growing interest in electric vehicles, EXCO also intends to specialize in secondary battery exhibitions in collaboration with private PEOs. Continuous cooperation with related organizations will enable the hosting of diversified and specialized exhibitions in fields like system semiconductors and webtoons.

Facility Enhancement for MICE Activation

EXCO currently consists of two exhibition halls: the West Wing and the East Wing. Plans are underway to enhance the East Wing by 2026, adding meeting rooms, small conference rooms, and VIP waiting rooms, thereby increasing the attractiveness of EXCO as an event venue.

Leading Sustainable MICE with ESG and Customer-Friendly Management

In line with the global trend towards ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management, EXCO is contributing to sustainable MICE industry practices. As a green convention center, it employs renewable energy facilities like solar power, geothermal energy systems, and solar water heating. EXCO is expanding eco-friendly exhibitions and derivative events, aiming to grow as a customer-friendly, interactive platform, enhancing visitor satisfaction and breathing together with its customers.

Embracing Technological Innovations and Sustainability

EXCO’s commitment to sustainability and technological innovation is evident in its infrastructure and operational strategies. Utilizing advanced technologies like AI and blockchain, the center is at the forefront of the digital revolution in the exhibition industry. This technological edge not only enhances the visitor experience but also ensures efficient and sustainable event management. By integrating these innovative technologies, EXCO is not just a venue for exhibitions but also a showcase of the future of convention centers.
This forward-thinking approach, combined with its role as a hub for international cooperation and cultural exchange, solidifies EXCO’s status as a global leader in the MICE industry. Its strategic location in Daegu, coupled with the upcoming airport, positions it perfectly to leverage the increasing global connectivity and attract a diverse range of events and visitors. EXCO’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and innovation makes it a model for convention centers worldwide, promoting a future where business and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.


 
 
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Coex: Seoul’s Premier Exhibition Hall Leading the Way in MICE Industry

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Coex, a prominent exhibition and convention center located in Seoul, South Korea, stands as a shining example of innovation and excellence in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. In recent years, Coex has redefined its mission, focusing on connecting and providing experiential value through industry exchanges and the integration of AI. This forward-thinking approach has propelled Coex to the forefront of the MICE industry, making it a platform that drives the activation and future growth of this sector.

A Remarkable Year of Recovery

The year 2023 marked a significant milestone for Coex, as it played a pivotal role in the recovery of the MICE industry. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Coex hosted 27 domestic exhibitions and 9 international exhibitions, achieving an annual revenue exceeding 1 trillion KRW. This remarkable feat surpassed the pre-pandemic revenue levels of 2019, showcasing Coex’s resilience and adaptability.
Notably, the InterBattery exhibition held in March emerged as one of the largest secondary battery industry events in South Korea, with participation from over 470 companies, including global top-three battery manufacturers. The event attracted an unprecedented 60,000 visitors, setting a new attendance record. In June, Coex ventured into the international arena by hosting “InterBattery Europe” in Germany, facilitating the entry of Korean battery companies into the European market. Furthermore, September saw the simultaneous hosting of the KiAF SEOUL and the world’s second-largest art fair, Frieze, drawing more than 10,000 international visitors to Coex. Finally, in November, Coex hosted Food Week, the largest food exhibition in the latter half of the year, attracting over 50,000 attendees. These events not only expanded Coex’s physical footprint but also demonstrated its commitment to globalization and diversified content for sustainable growth.

Coex’s Vision for 2024

As we step into 2024, Coex is poised to expand its influence in the MICE industry through strategic expansion. The unveiling of “THE PLATZ” a versatile event hall on the second floor of the Coex exhibition hall, in January signifies a renewed commitment to host a wide array of events, including exhibitions, seminars, conferences, and banquets.
Mr. Dong-ki Lee, President of Coex, stated, “We are expanding the exhibition and conference spaces at Coex to meet the growing demand from companies and organizations seeking to host events here.” He further elaborated, “Currently, Coex offers a total exhibition and conference space of 48,000 square meters, and we plan to increase this by 2,500 square meters in 2024 and an additional 2,500 square meters by 2025 to cater to the needs of our customers.”
Moreover, Coex is gearing up to operate the Coex Magok Convention Center, located in Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, scheduled to open in November of this year. Leveraging its experience in managing the massive Trade Center in Gangnam, Coex aims to brand the convention center in Magok as “Coex Magok LaWest” and transform the area into a hub for MICE activities in western Seoul.
The Coex Magok LaWest boasts a total floor area of 20,000 square meters, featuring an exhibition hall capable of accommodating up to 400 booths and conference rooms capable of hosting up to 13,000 attendees. With excellent transportation connectivity and a fully-equipped MICE infrastructure, this facility is poised to alleviate the shortage of MICE spaces in Seoul effectively.
Within a 10-kilometer radius of Magok, numerous industrial complexes have been established, making it an ideal environment for hosting B2B exhibitions. Additionally, the region boasts a resident population of approximately 6.88 million people within a 10-kilometer radius, providing an optimal setting for B2C exhibitions.
Anticipated to achieve a 60% operational rate during its first year, Coex Magok is already receiving inquiries for conference room rentals, further solidifying its role in the MICE landscape.

Elevating Sustainability with “good plan”

Coex is at the forefront of promoting sustainability within the MICE industry, and it has introduced the “good plan” a premium eco-friendly event service. This service encompasses various eco-friendly elements, including the “AV DROP,” a rapid and eco-friendly assembly stage system, “Best Systems” lighting booths, and the “vomo” eco-friendly booth package exclusively used by the world’s second-largest art fair, Art Basel.
The AV DROP system has been utilized in approximately 160 events to create diverse spaces such as planning zones, seminar areas, VIP lounges, and photo zones for events like AWS Summit Seoul, Coffee Expo All That Travel, and Food Week.
“good plan” aligns with the current focus of the MICE industry on sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and carbon neutrality. Coex is the third organization in South Korea to join the “Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge,” a global MICE industry initiative that aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, aligning with the Paris Agreement and United Nations Climate Change Convention resolutions.
Furthermore, Coex has entered into an agreement for “ESG Cooperation in Seoul Global Exhibitions” with Exporum and KOREA E&EX INC., solidifying its commitment to practicing ESG principles and contributing to the Seoul city’s efforts in this direction.

Shifting Focus: From Innovation to Sustainability

While innovation was a central theme in the convention industry pre-pandemic, the industry is now shifting its focus towards sustainability, ESG, and carbon neutrality. Mr. Lee Dong-gi, President of Coex, highlighted the industry’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices, stating, “Convention centers and large exhibition organizers worldwide are grappling with ways to reduce energy consumption, cut carbon emissions, and minimize waste and food waste generated after events, all in response to the climate crisis.”
Coex’s dedication to this ethos ensures it will continue to discover and expand eco-friendly service offerings that align with the spirit of the times.


 
 
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Korea’s Major Exhibition Centers

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Korea’s Exhibition Centers See Growing Demand for Industry Exhibitions Related to New Growth Engines

Since 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic began, there has been gradually increasing demand for holding exhibitions, which had been suppressed due to the social and national atmosphere caused by the coronavirus pandemic. This increasing demand has led to a significant increase in exhibition hall operating profits, mainly in Korea’s major exhibition centers.
In 2023, demand for exhibitions, international conferences, corporate meetings, and year-end events at major exhibition centers across the country has almost reached the level of 2019, to where it was before the pandemic.
Based on the operation rate and rental area in 2024, it is expected to be similar to or slightly increased compared to 2023. The main reasons are attributable to the organizers’ active business promotion efforts, the resumption of international conferences, and the enlargement of exhibitions after the pandemic.
By industry group, growth is predicted for industry exhibitions related to new growth engines such as secondary batteries, biohealth, next-generation displays, and electric vehicles.

New Trends

Since the coronavirus outbreak, a notable common feature of each industry at major exhibition centers across the country been the increasing demand for exhibitions in the health, medical, optics, precision fields, culture, arts, and the public sector. Among the B2C exhibitions in specific fields, there are cases where the numbers of visitors have increased very sharply based on the consumption patterns of the MZ generation. After the pandemic, existing large exhibitions and exhibitions held by professional exhibition organizers (PEOs) in the metropolitan area have not been significantly affected and are being maintained to some extent.
Major exhibition centers aim to create new value for customer satisfaction by establishing realistic operating policies; promoting ESG to respond to the climate crisis; and expanding digitalization and convenience facilities based upon customers’ experiences – by sensitively detecting changes in society and industry, rather than merely providing venues.


 
 
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AKEI Playing a Vital Role in Development ……

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The Association of Korean Exhibition Industry (AKEI) is the organization in charge of the exhibition industry development project selected by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) in accordance with the nation’s Exhibition Industry Development Act.
Since its establishment in 2002 with the purpose of fostering Korea’s exhibition industry, and thereby contributing to the development of the national economy, AKEI has been implementing projects to promote the exhibition industry — while drafting the government’s exhibition industry policy, and carrying out various related tasks. In addition, as a representative organization of Korea’s exhibition industry, it identifies trends in the global exhibition industry, and supports international cooperation with Korea’s exhibition industry through exchanges and cooperation with overseas exhibition industry-related organizations and businesses — such as major international associations like UFI, AFECA, and IAEE in the global exhibition industry. AKEI’s major projects include supporting the holding of domestic exhibitions; evaluation projects and exhibition-industry foundation-building projects — such as exhibition certification; statistical surveys; public relations; holding celebrations on the exhibition industry day. In addition, AKEI is conducting a pre-sales support project led by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) to promote collaboration with small business owners and exhibition professional training projects of the Ministry of Employment and Labor — and is carrying out various projects to develop Korea’s exhibition industry.
AKEI also provides member company services such as networking for shared growth and mutual prosperity in the exhibition industry. Members include 72 companies — including trade promotion organizations such as KOTRA; and the Korea International Trade Association (KITA); exhibition centers such as COEX and KINTEX; industry groups and private exhibition organizers; and exhibition design installation and service providers.

Certification Exhibitions

Among the various projects carried out by AKEI, the ‛Exhibition Certification System Operation Project’ refers to objectively researching and confirming data on exhibition areas, the number of participating companies, and the number of visitors submitted by exhibition organizers according to standardized standards, and granting a certification mark in order to officially certify.
It is operated for the purpose of securing reliable and objective data statistics on exhibition participants and visitors and contributing to the internationalization of Korean exhibitions.
As the proportion and importance of exhibitions in terms of corporate marketing gradually increased, the exhibition certification system began as one of the policy measures to enhance the performance of companies’ participation in exhibitions. For this reason, after a pilot certification period from 2002 to 2004, a formal certification system was introduced for exhibitions seeking certification, starting in 2005.
Certification regulations apply with the regulations of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI). AKEI assesses the qualifications by classifying into certification or international certification depending on the contents of the certification, and whether the requirements are met or not. More than 130 exhibitions are certified annually, and major certified exhibitions include Seoul ADEX, COPHEX, and KES.


 
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Korean Companies Win an Amazing 46% of CES 2024 Innovation Awards

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Ahead of CES 2024, the world’s largest IT and electronics exhibition, to be held in Las Vegas, USA, in January next year, an incredible 143 Korean companies won CES 2024 Innovation Awards. Inventions in the fields of robots and artificial intelligence are attracting particular attention.

According to the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), among the currently announced CES 2024 award-winning companies, there are 143 Korean companies, accounting for 46% of the total awardees. Korean-made products that received the Innovation Award are diverse – including a liquid hydrogen-powered industrial drone; an artificial intelligence-based warehouse logistics management platform; a smartphone communicator for the visually impaired; and a self-respiratory analysis system. Looking at the award-winning Korean companies by category, their progress was notable in the fields of drones and unmanned systems; financial technology; digital health; and artificial intelligence (AI). In particular, Korean companies swept all innovation awards in the fields of drones, unmanned systems, and financial technology.
Companies in the robotics and AI fields also play a leading role in the CES Innovation Awards. Robotics companies such as Doosan Robotics, HD Hyundai, and WIRobotics are also joining the ranks of CES 2024 Innovation Award winners. Many domestic robot and AI companies are expected to receive innovation awards following last year, which is expected to boost global advancement of Korea’s robot technology. In particular, as interest in generative artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT has recently increased, many companies specializing in this field are receiving the CES 2024 Innovation Awards.

Doosan Robotics won a CES Innovation Award for its recycling sorting solution, ‘Oscar the Sorter,’ which is a ‘recycling separation solution’ that applies AI machine learning technology based on Dart Suite, a software platform that easily controls collaborative robots without coding. It sorts paper cups, plastic containers, cans, etc., removes contents, and moves to the designated trash can.

Without vision-recognition technology, it measures and recognizes differences in current value and size, depending on strength, by using the collaborative robot gripper ‒ while picking up an object. Objects with similar appearances can also be classified according to their material, and have the advantage of being able to classify even in a blind field. In addition, AI machine learning technology continuously learns the shape and material of objects, enabling sophisticated classification over time. This is expected to enable expanded application in the logistics and service industries in the future.

LG Electronics received a total of 33 Innovation Awards, including the LG CLOi Servebot, which significantly improved driving stability. This is the largest-ever award achievement for LG, surpassing last year’s when 28 awards were received. A variety of products and services received awards, including OLED TVs, monitors, washing machines, built-in home appliances, robots, etc., as well as contents.
HD Hyundai received Innovation Awards for a total of three products: Sensor fusion-based excavator collision prevention system; AI-based machine assistance for construction equipment (X-Agent); and leisure boat autonomous navigation solution (NeuBoat Navi).

AI-based machine assistant X-agent, which improves the equipment proficiency and productivity of construction machine drivers such as excavators, wheel loaders, trucks, etc., was evaluated as a product containing HD Hyundai’s unmanned and automation technology. Avicus, a company specializing in autonomous navigation of ships in HD Hyundai, has been awarded for the second consecutive year with NeuBoat Navi, which implemented a more user-friendly display by improving the AI recognition and control functions of NeuBoat, a self-driving solution for leisure boats that won an award last year.
Wearable-robot startup WIRobotics won a CES 2024 Innovation Awards for its wearable-robot, WIM, which received awards in two categories: robotics; and accessibility & aging technology. WIM is a wearable-robot that helps with walking exercises. The weight was reduced to 1.4kg and usability was improved so that it can be attached and detached within 30 seconds. WIM is a walking exercise robot designed for the general public, and is scheduled to be released at the end of January next year. This is contrary to the fact that many wearable robots have previously been used for industrial or medical purposes in special environments.

DEEPX won CES Innovation Awards in three categories, including computer hardware, embedded technology, and robots – which are its main fields with its independently developed artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor source technology. In the embedded technology sector, DEEPX applies AI technology to various embedded systems. DEEPX announced that its All-Info AI Total Solutions were respectively selected, consisting of four types of AI semiconductors optimized for AI functions and performance; and DX-H1; a technology specialized for minimizing energy consumption in high-performance AI processing to reduce carbon-emissions in servers and data centers in the computer hardware sector; and DX-M1 module, which innovatively recognizes the intelligence of edge devices such as robots for unmanned use, not only in industrial sites and social infrastructure, but also in everyday life in the robotics field.

Seadronix, a company supplying autonomous navigation systems for ships, also won a CES 2024 Innovation Award. Seadronix is an artificial intelligence (AI) system company based on data in the maritime logistics industry, including autonomous ship operation, navigation assistance systems, and ship inspection systems. It received the Innovation Award this time in recognition of the innovation, technology, and business feasibility of the software that supports the situational awareness calculation method essential for autonomous ship operation.

Nation A, an AI startup, announced that it has won an Innovation Awards in the AI, Web3, and Metaverse Technologies categories for its AI-creation model source technology. Nation A is drawing attention by introducing an AI-powered 3D motion data-generation commercialization service based on a foundation model that can generate 3D and 4D data using generative AI technology.


 
 
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NextRise 2023

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NextRise, the largest startups exhibition in Korea, held on the biggest-scale ever, with the participation of more than 450 startups from 17 countries, celebrated its 5th anniversary this year. The exhibition attracted about 20,000 visitors.


At the exhibition site, approximately 3,200 business meetings were held, through which 1,000 startups discussed business cooperation and investment conditions with more than 200 conglomerates and investment companies.


For this year’s exhibition, the ‘NextRise Awards’ was held for the first time to promote the growth of promising startups, and a prizegiving ceremony was held. In this award contest with 332 domestic and foreign startups participating, based on their technology and marketability, a total of 14 promising startups were selected through document and presentation evaluation.


Among them, MOPIC, a startup that has developed technology to implement 3D effects on flat displays, won the Grand Innovation Prize.


The CEO of MOPIC, in his award-acceptance speech, remarked, “Light field 3D display technology allows you to experience 3D without stereoscopic glasses. This technology is a special field that requires a lot of patience because it can only be developed when the market grows. It is a great source of strength to be awarded in a difficult situation.”


Three companies won the Best Innovation Prize, and the Innovation Prize was awarded to 10 startups with business models in AI, bio, health, and display fields.


The vice chairman of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) stressed “We have confirmed that the era when only technological innovation can ensure the survival and growth of companies has arrived – through NextRise 2023, held on the largest-ever scale despite the global economic slowdown. We will make every effort to help NextRise to grow into a key platform that spreads technological innovation throughout the Korean economy based on startups.”


 
 
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AI EXPO KOREA 2023

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The 2023 International Artificial Intelligence Exhibition (AI EXPO KOREA), where visitors could witness the exciting trends of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, was held on May 10 at COEX Hall D in Samseongdong, Seoul.

According to the AI EXPO secretariat, 268 companies participated in this year’s exhibition with 470 booths. That was an increase of about 14% over last year.
This year’s exhibition showed a higher participation rate by hardware companies than last year. Recently, the demand for super-giant AI models has soared due to the craze for chatGPT, a generative AI. Super-giant AI must be supported by hardware, so it seemed that related companies were actively promoting it.

The secretariat reported that the proportion of overseas participation in AI EXPO has increased, including
participating in exhibition booths and seminar speakers from the Korea-based embassies of Canada, the Czech Republic, Israel, Singapore, France, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom.
As additional events held along with the exhibition, 12 different themes of seminars and conferences and an AI star investment conference were included.
A secretariat spokesperson explained, “Last year, six seminars and conferences were held, but this year, the number doubled, so this clearly suggests increased interest in AI issues and trends.”


 
 
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InterBattery 2023

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At InterBattery 2023, the largest secondary battery industry exhibition in Korea, three domestic battery companies heralded the pioneering of new markets such as lithium ferro phosphate (LFP).
InterBattery 2023 was held on the largest scale ever at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, for three days from May 15 to May 17. This year, a total of 477 companies, including battery and material companies, participated, and about 40,000 visitors gathered on the first day alone.

LG Energy Solution introduced LFP battery cells and packs for the first time at the exhibition.
The product is used in power grids and residential energy storage systems (ESS). LG Energy
Solutions’ in-house independent company ‘KooRoo’ introduced a battery swap station (BSS) service, aiming at commercializing this year. KooRoo is preparing a service that allows battery packs for electric two-wheeled vehicles to be used in a switching method rather than charging.

SK on, which had only produced pouch-type batteries until now, exhibited a mock-up of a newly developed prismatic battery. In addition, prototypes of cobalt-free batteries and LFP batteries, which are in the development stage, were introduced.

Samsung SDI exhibited prismatic, cylindrical, pouch, and micro-sized batteries. It
introduced all-solid-state batteries, innovative structural design, high-efficiency fast charging, and safety technologies. It also displayed its newly strengthened E5S modules in safety for ESS by
introducing a water-cooled cooling system and rack.



 
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