Connecting EU Companies with the Republic of Korea's Healthcare Market

From 18 to 22 March 2026, 44 selected EU SMEs and start-ups took part in the EU Business Hub @ KIMES 2026 business mission in Seoul. EU companies showcased advanced healthcare technologies (AI applications in healthcare, telemedicine, medical devices, and assistive solutions) and explored partnerships and distribution opportunities in Korea's healthcare sector through B2B meetings, walk-in visits, and hands-on discussions, using KIMES, the country's largest medical devices exhibition, as a launchpad for collaboration.

Supporting EU companies through coaching and networking

The mission opened with a Welcome and Networking Gathering, where participants connected with their coaches, the EU Business Hub team, and each other. They were welcomed by Patrick Polacsek, Programme Manager at the EU Delegation to the Republic of Korea, and Philippe Van Hoof member of the board of directors of the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ECCK). A market intelligence briefing followed, equipping companies with the knowledge needed to maximise their engagement during the exhibition. Alicia Song, of the National Institute of Medical Device Safety Information, outlined the key regulatory and market entry steps for European companies entering the Korean market.

On 20 March, the EU Business Hub hosted a Business Networking Reception at the Westin Seoul Parnas, bringing together around 150 participants — EU companies, Korean businesses, sector associations, institutional representatives, and delegates from five EU member states. The evening opened with remarks by Walter Van Hathum, Minister Counsellor and Head of Trade and Economic Section at the EU Delegation to the Republic of Korea, and Myeong Jeong Kim, Vice Chairman of the Korea Medical Device Industry Association (KMDIA) and provided an informal setting to deepen discussions initiated at the pavilion.

EU presence at KIMES 2026: exhibition at the EU Pavilion

At the heart of the mission, EU participants exhibited at the EU Pavilion at KIMES 2026. Over four days, they held in-depth discussions with Korean counterparts on technological collaboration and potential partnerships, supported throughout by professional interpretation services and coaching.

In total, participants held 695 meetings with local counterparts offering extensive opportunities to connect with relevant stakeholders and advance their market prospects. The mission also produced concrete collaboration outcomes:

•    Respira (Italy), a company developing smart platforms that transform indoor spaces into science-driven environments enhancing human wellbeing, signed a Licence Agreement with Ajou University (President Choi Kee-choo), laying the groundwork for research and technological cooperation.
•    Medicalgorithmics (Poland), a med-tech company specialising in AI-powered cardiac diagnostics, concluded a new partnership agreement with a leading Korean provider of wearable ECG technologies.

Backed by financial support for accommodation, customised services, logistical assistance, coaching, and pre-arranged matchmaking agendas, the mission achieved a 93% participant satisfaction rate and a strong stated intention to apply for future EU Business Hub missions — reflecting the programme's value as a practical catalyst for cross-border business development.
 

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If you are also an EU SME or start-up in the digital solutions, renewable energy or healthcare and medical equipment sector, looking to expand to Japan or the Republic of Korea, join our upcoming business missions!

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