On June 18, France participated as the guest country at NextRise 2026, Asia's largest startup and innovation exhibition held at COEX in Seoul, showcasing its capabilities in advanced industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology. In celebration of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, the country formed 'Team France,' which includes companies and related institutions, to enhance technological and investment cooperation with Korea.
The French pavilion at COEX Hall A featured major French companies operating in Korea, including Renault Korea, Veolia, Stellantis, Thales, Schneider Electric, Dassault Systèmes, and L'Oréal Group. Additionally, 17 French startups and advanced companies, including European enterprise management solutions provider Planisware, food and agriculture certification firm QIMA, and quantum computing company Quandela, participated in the 'French Innovation Zone,' presenting innovative solutions across various fields such as AI, quantum technology, and digital transformation while seeking business and investment opportunities in Korea.
Team France comprises not only businesses but also the French Chamber of Commerce in Korea, the French Embassy in Korea, Business France, the French Foreign Trade Advisory Council (CCE), and the French government-led startup nurturing program La French Tech Seoul. Through this collaboration, France aims to emphasize its status as a global innovation hub while seeking to strengthen strategic cooperation in technology, entrepreneurship, and investment between Korea and France.
This year marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, and as the guest country at NextRise 2026, France actively promoted its strong innovation ecosystem beyond its traditional strengths in luxury goods and gastronomy, highlighting advancements in AI, quantum technology, advanced industries, sustainability, and digital transformation. A high-level delegation composed of representatives from Korean financial institutions, trade and industry organizations, venture capital associations, and startup employees visited the French pavilion, expressing significant interest in advanced industrial cooperation between the two countries.
David-Pierre Jalicon, President of the French Chamber of Commerce in Korea, stated, "France was the third-largest investor in Korea last year," adding that approximately 70% of France's exports to Korea are integrated into Korea's production and value chains, directly contributing to strategic industries such as semiconductors, mobility, aerospace, energy, decarbonization, and AI. He emphasized, "France is not just a country that trades with Korea."
France held a special session titled 'France's Paradigm Leading Global Innovation and Frontier Tech' as the guest country. Clara Chappaz, the French Minister for AI and Digital Affairs, emphasized in a video message the vision to cultivate France as a global innovation nation and the commitment to strengthen international cooperation in emerging technology fields.
Philippe Bertoux, the French Ambassador to Korea, highlighted the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in Korea-France relations during his opening remarks at the session, noting that the potential for cooperation in both countries' innovation ecosystems is expanding daily. He explained that France is closely connected to the Korean industrial ecosystem, and the economic relationship between the two countries is evolving beyond simple trade to joint production and advanced industrial cooperation.
As Korea and France celebrate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, exchanges between the two countries have been further enhanced through French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Korea in April and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's upcoming visit to France during the G7 summit this week.
Meanwhile, this year's NextRise, now in its eighth edition, runs until June 19 under the theme 'Shape the Next,' featuring over 1,700 startups from more than 30 countries. Notably, this year, major domestic companies such as LG, CJ, and Hanwha Aerospace, as well as leading global AI firms like OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Anthropic, are participating, drawing significant attention.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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