STK 2026 draws 620 companies to Seoul for AI, robotics and quantum tech

STK 2026 wrapped up its three-day run at COEX in Seoul on June 12, bringing 620 companies from 16 countries together for Korea’s largest technology business platform. The event spotlighted AI, robotics, quantum technology and cross-border dealmaking as organizers prepare for a larger STK 2027. Why it matters: - STK 2026 showed how fast AI, robotics and quantum technology are converging across industries. - The event created a venue for companies, buyers, investors, researchers and policymakers to meet in one place. - The scale matters for Korea’s role in Asia’s tech business ecosystem and for international collaboration, especially with Canada’s Quebec as Nation of Honor. What happened: - STK 2026, also called Smart Tech Korea 2026, ran from June 10-12, 2026, at COEX in Seoul. - The event marked its 15th anniversary and used the theme “The Tech Nexus.” - Organizers said 620 companies from 16 countries took part across 1,800 booths. - The exhibition occupied the full COEX venue and included seven specialized shows under one roof. The details: - The seven shows were AI & Big Data Show, Smart Tech Show, Secu Tech Show, Robot Tech Show, Retail & Logis Tech Show, AI+Smart Factory Show and Korea Metaverse Festival. - Global companies including Dell Technologies, NVIDIA, Microsoft, ElevenLabs and Similarweb presented AI, data infrastructure and enterprise tools. - Korean companies including Samsung SDS, Persona AI, BI Matrix and Obzen demonstrated AI applications and industry-specific use cases. - Robotics was a major focus, with AGIBOT, GALBOT, Paxini and EngineAI showing humanoid robotics and Physical AI. - Korean robotics companies UND, Mobilio, T-Robotics and TXR Robotics showed automation technologies aimed at industrial productivity. - The exhibition also highlighted quantum computing, cybersecurity, digital healthcare and XR technologies. - Quebec, Canada served as the event’s Nation of Honor. - The special program “Quebec Innovation Spotlight – AI, Robotics & Beyond” showcased Quebec’s AI and deep-tech ecosystem and aimed to open new collaboration opportunities with Korean counterparts. - TechCon 2026 ran alongside the exhibition and focused on the future of AI, robotics and quantum technologies. - Keynote speakers included Yoshua Bengio, Founder of Mila and Professor at Université de Montréal; Rémi Quirion, Chief Scientist of Quebec; and Sarath Chandar, Associate Professor at Polytechnique Montréal. - The event included business meetings, networking programs and technology demonstrations on-site. Between the lines: - STK 2026 is positioning itself less as a trade show and more as a deal-making and ecosystem platform. - The mix of hardware, software and frontier-tech exhibitors suggests buyers want integrated solutions, not single-product demos. - Quebec’s featured role signals that the event is also being used as a bridge for international tech diplomacy and commercial links. What’s next: - Organizers are already preparing STK 2027, scheduled for June 2-4, 2027, at COEX in Seoul. - The 2027 edition will feature an expanded program designed to deepen global technology exchange and business opportunities. - STK will continue to focus on AI, robotics, smart manufacturing, digital logistics, cybersecurity, digital healthcare, quantum technology and XR. The bottom line: - STK 2026 underscored Seoul’s growing role as a hub where emerging technologies, global companies and cross-border partnerships meet.