Point
AI FESTA 26 highlighted the shift toward real-world AI applications, gathering global tech firms, Korean developers and policymakers.
Key Issues
• AI industry showcase: Hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT as the flagship event of AI Week 2026, AI FESTA 26 was held at COEX from October 6 to 8 under the theme 'AI Realization.' It drew about 68,000 visitors over three days.
• Nine themed pavilions: More than 350 companies and institutions showcased their technologies across approximately 500 booths in pavilions covering agentic AI, physical AI and robotics, AI semiconductors, security and quantum technology, AI infrastructure and defense AI.
• Korea's own foundation models: LG AI Research, SK Telecom and Upstage showcased their domestically developed foundation models, while 15 teams competed for the AI Champion title.
• Global AI firms on stage: At the AI Summit, Google DeepMind called for AI evaluation that reflects local culture and language, while AWS and Anthropic discussed enterprise AI strategies. OpenAI also participated.
• Future tech conference: Huawei forecast that AI models could reach 100 trillion parameters within five years, while IBM argued that companies must be able to trace and verify what AI agents actually do.
• AI for media and content: Exhibitors showed generative AI and virtual human tools for content production, while the Korea Press Foundation promoted copyright protection and the lawful use of news data in AI.
• From demos to deals: Organizers arranged one-on-one meetings between about 100 buyer companies and 100 supplier companies. Ha Jung-woo of the National AI Strategy Committee urged public agencies to prioritize Korean AI in procurement.
• AI diplomacy: Ryu Je-myung, Second Vice Minister of Science and ICT, hosted a luncheon for diplomats from about 20 countries, including the UK and China.
※ For more detailed information, please see the attached file (PDF).