The 'France-Korea Tech Summit 2026' concluded successfully on October 16 at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul, serving as a platform for next-generation technology cooperation between Korea and France.
Held as part of the Korea Electronics Show (KES 2026), the event was co-hosted by the French Chamber of Commerce in Korea (FKCCI) and the Korea Electronics and Telecommunications Industry Association (KEA), focusing on the theme 'AI & Greentech: Shaping the Next Era of Innovation.'
This year's summit was particularly significant as it marked the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, as well as the 40th anniversary of the FKCCI. It presented a practical blueprint for cooperation between the two countries aimed at harnessing the economic value of artificial intelligence and facilitating the green transition in industries.
The event centered on how to integrate AI and green technology into business practices to enhance profitability and industrial efficiency.
Arthur Barichard, Director of the French Government's Digital and AI Committee, emphasized, 'Connecting the two monumental trends of the AI revolution and environmental transition is a timely and crucial task.'
During the panel discussions and networking sessions, representatives from key institutions and companies, including the French Government's Digital and AI Committee, KT SAT, Seoul AI Hub, Veolia Korea, Genessink, and Korea Electric Power Corporation, shared in-depth examples of specific technologies that enhance resource efficiency, ranging from innovations in corporate decision-making structures to advanced materials, energy systems, and industrial inspections.
In the pitch contest held in the afternoon, eight promising tech companies from Korea and France competed fiercely. TiHive, which showcased a terahertz non-destructive testing solution in the deep tech and Industry 4.0 sectors, won first place. FUST Lab., focusing on cleantech and energy sustainability, secured second place, while Voltify, specializing in energy technology and semiconductors, took third.
The 'French Pavilion' set up at the exhibition hall featured technology demonstrations and one-on-one business meetings with innovative French companies such as Genessink, ID4US, Telios, TiHive, and Voltify, expanding opportunities for practical partnerships with domestic firms.
Julien Erbeau, Vice President of the FKCCI and Lead Partner at PwC Mazar Korea, remarked, 'The relationship between Korea and France is based on deep technological ties,' adding, 'French technology is already deeply embedded in Korea's industries and electronic systems, from semiconductor equipment and advanced materials to mobility and energy systems.'
This event saw participation from official partners and sponsors, including global outdoor advertising company JCDecaux, Asiance, Invest Seoul, PwC Mazar, IT Concept, and Veolia.
The FKCCI plans to continue expanding follow-up exchanges and support programs to translate the synergies identified in the two countries' technology ecosystems into tangible business outcomes.
Meanwhile, the FKCCI is actively promoting exchanges and cooperation between the two countries' economies in celebration of its 40th anniversary and the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations. This year, Korea and France marked their 140th anniversary with visits from French President Emmanuel Macron in April and Korean President Lee Jae-myung in September, elevating their diplomatic relationship to a 'global strategic partnership.' As a result, both countries are expanding cooperation in various fields, including economy, security, and advanced technology, while the FKCCI is also accelerating efforts to enhance exchanges between businesses in both nations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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