Beyond the Show: Key Takeaways from Korea Electronics Show 2026!

The EU Business Hub @ Korea Electronics Show 2026 took place in Seoul, from 12 to 16 October 2026. The business mission brought together 44 SMEs and start-ups from the European digital solutions sector, showcasing products and solutions across advanced technology sectors, including AX (AI Transformation), robotics, mobility, digital health, XR and spatial computing, and electronic components and materials.

The mission kicked off on 12 October with a Welcome and Networking Gathering, giving participants the opportunity to meet their coaches, the EU Business Hub team, and fellow delegates. This was followed by a briefing session during which Walter van Hattum, Minister Counsellor and Head of the Trade and Economic Section at the EU Delegation to the Republic of Korea, welcomed the participants, who then received an overview of Korea’s digital solutions market. The session provided valuable market insights to help the 44 EU participants better understand the local business environment and prepare for their upcoming meetings and discussions with potential Korean partners.

From 13 to 16 October, EU participants exhibited their technologies and innovative solutions within the EU Pavilion at the Korea Electronics Show 2026 (Seoul), one of Korea’s leading exhibitions for the electronics and IT industries. They showcased their companies and explored partnerships and distribution opportunities in Korea’s digital solutions sector through B2B meetings, walk-in visits, and hands-on discussions. Korea Electronics Show 2026 brought together 70,000 visitors and 500 exhibitors, serving as an international platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and business development across the electronics and technology industries. The EU Pavilion offered a strategic opportunity to showcase European technological expertise and innovative solutions, while building connections with Korean and international stakeholders, including electronics manufacturers, technology companies, distributors, research organisations, business partners, and public-sector representatives.

During KES 2026, the EU Business Hub received the KES Innovation Partner Award at the 15th KES Innovation Awards ceremony, recognising its role in identifying innovative companies through joint pavilions and supporting their achievements. In addition, 12 products from 11 EU Business Hub participating companies, were selected as KES Innovation Awards winners. On the evening of 13 October, the EU Business Hub networking reception at The Westin Seoul Parnas brought together approximately 200 representatives from European and Korean companies and organisations, alongside the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Korea, different EU embassies representatives and trade promotion agencies. The evening featured remarks from the EU Delegation, the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea, and the Korea Electronics Association, followed by a celebration of the KES Innovation Awards winners. The reception provided an additional opportunity for European participants and Korean industry stakeholders to exchange insights on technological developments and market trends, strengthen business connections, and explore opportunities for future collaboration between Europe and Korea.

On 14 October, EU Business Hub participants joined the KES Biz Connect, the official networking programme of the  Korea Electronics Show 2026, held at COEX. The event brought together key European and Korean stakeholders, with the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Korea, the Korea Electronics Association, and the Consumer Technology Association highlighting the importance of strengthening cross-border industrial cooperation. 

Through continuous guidance from dedicated coaches during the preparation phase, combined with on-site assistance, participants were fully equipped to maximise their business opportunities. As a result, the cohort conducted more than 700 targeted B2B meetings throughout the week. This intense business matchmaking has already yielded tangible impacts, including the signature of several Memorandums of Understanding, Letters of Intent, and pilot projects, paving the way for concrete commercial relationships.

By bringing together exhibition activities, business meetings and networking in an integrated programme, the event helped expand opportunities for Korea-EU business cooperation in advanced technology sectors. Building on this momentum, the EU Business Hub will continue to support European companies seeking to enter the Korean market and develop partnerships with Korean companies.

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Next Business Mission: EU Business Hub @ Korea Smart Grid Expo 2027
European SMEs and start-ups working in green and low-carbon technologies have the opportunity to enter the South Korean market through the EU Business Hub @ Korea Smart Grid Expo 2027, held in Seoul from 31 January to 4 February 2027. The mission will support up to 50 companies with exhibition fees, accommodation assistance, tailored B2B meetings, market intelligence, and cultural and linguistic services. Applications close on 8 November 2026.

Next Business Mission: EU Business Hub @ Smart Energy Week Spring 2027
Looking to expand into Japan’s renewable energy market? The EU Business Hub @ Smart Energy Week Spring 2027 will take place in Tokyo from 22–26 March 2027, bringing together up to 50 European SMEs and start-ups. Participants will benefit from exhibition fee coverage, financial support for accommodation, personalised business meetings, market insights, and cultural and linguistic assistance. Apply by 27 November 2026.

Next Business Mission: EU Business Hub @ KIMES 2027
Taking place in Seoul from 17–21 March 2027, KIMES 2027 offers European healthcare, and medical equipment companies a platform to showcase their innovations and establish valuable connections in South Korea. Through the EU Business Hub, up to 50 SMEs and start-ups can access exhibition support, accommodation assistance, pre-arranged B2B meetings, and market intelligence. The application deadline is 15 November 2026.

Next Business Mission: EU Business Hub @ Medical Japan 2027 Tokyo
For European SMEs and start-ups aiming to develop their presence in Japan’s healthcare sector, Medical Japan 2027 Tokyo presents an opportunity to connect with industry stakeholders and explore new business prospects. The mission runs from 24–28 May 2027 and will support up to 50 companies through exhibition fee coverage, accommodation assistance, tailored B2B matchmaking, market intelligence, and cultural and linguistic services. Interested companies can apply until 29 January 2027.

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EU Business Hub - Japan and the Republic of Korea is an EU-funded programme launched in 2024 to support EU SMEs and start-ups in the Green and Low-Carbon, Digital, Healthcare and Medical Equipment sectors in expanding into the Japanese and Korean markets. Between 2024 and 2027, the programme is organising 20 sector-focused business missions -10 in each market- with services including strategic coaching, matchmaking, local interpretation, and full logistical support. The EU Business Hub is the successor programme of the EU Business Avenues / EU Gateway to Japan.