The '2025 Korea Tech Festival,' showcasing the full cycle of industrial technology support from research and development (R&D) to commercialization, commenced on the 3rd at COEX in Seoul. Hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and co-organized by the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KEIT), Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL), the event runs for three days until the 5th at COEX Hall B and the 3rd-floor conference room.

The 'Korea Tech Festival,' where the previously separate Industrial Technology R&D Exhibition and Technology Commercialization Exhibition are jointly held for the first time, aims to promote excellent technologies and products developed through government-supported industrial technology R&D and commercialization to the public, and to foster domestic and international technology exchange and business collaboration. The event is designed to showcase the virtuous cycle of 'technological innovation→commercialization→industrial growth' as a comprehensive story, rather than merely listing research achievements.

During the event, 78 leading companies in the Korean economy, including Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, LG Electronics, Samsung Display, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hyundai Motor Company, and EcoPro BM, will present their industrial technology R&D achievements and commercialization cases. The four organizing institutions—KEIT, KIAT, KOTRA, and KTL—will also participate, providing a comprehensive view of the full-cycle support system from R&D planning and evaluation to commercialization support, overseas market entry, and testing and certification.

The opening ceremony held on the morning of the 3rd was attended by key figures such as Kim Sung-yeol, Director of Industrial Base at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and Lee Chul-kyu, Chairman of the National Assembly's Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee, who encouraged those who have contributed to the promotion of industrial technology and technology commercialization.

The core message of this festival is to support 'real growth' by establishing a virtuous cycle system that leads from technological innovation to commercialization and industrial growth, thereby enhancing national competitiveness. The government is expanding short-term (within five years) commercialization R&D based on actual corporate demand while preparing for future new industries through long-term challenge and innovation-oriented R&D. At the same time, it is strengthening technology finance by expanding technology commercialization funds and utilizing regulatory sandbox exemptions in new industry sectors to expedite the market introduction of new products and services. This policy direction is reflected throughout the event's exhibition composition and programs.

The exhibition is organized to provide a comprehensive view of core technologies and commercialization achievements by industry. Key companies and research institutions' outcomes are displayed side by side in fields symbolizing the competitiveness of Korean industry, such as semiconductors and displays, future automobiles and shipbuilding, secondary batteries and eco-friendly energy, advanced manufacturing and digital transformation, and the AI special hall. The AI special hall (featuring nine companies) highlights the technological achievements of AI semiconductor fabless companies like FuriosaAI, Rebellion, Neuraltek, DeepX, HyperExcel, SuperGate, UXFactory, Boss Semiconductor, and AnalogAI, creating networking and business opportunities with industry, academia, and investors. The exhibition uniquely showcases the process from idea inception in the laboratory to prototype development, mass production, and global market entry, centered on actual cases.

Another focus is the 'commercialization achievements exhibition.' Beyond simple technology demonstrations, it introduces how technology has translated into actual sales, jobs, and exports through data and storytelling formats. Each booth presents the background of technology development, the use of government support programs, challenges and solutions during the commercialization process, and future expansion plans, providing practical benchmarking materials for other companies and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Spaces showcasing the roles and tools of supporting institutions are also notable. KEIT and KIAT introduce the planning and evaluation of industrial technology R&D projects, technology roadmaps, and demonstration and dissemination programs. KOTRA promotes overseas expansion support services such as export consultations, overseas exhibition support, and global partner matching. KTL guides the necessary procedures for technology to settle in the market, such as testing and certification, reliability evaluation, and safety and environmental regulation compliance, presenting various support cases that alleviate the burden on small and medium-sized enterprises. Visitors can specifically gauge 'where and what support to request' through this space.

The side events also focus on 'connection' and 'exchange.' Through technology explanations and talk programs linked to the exhibition, researchers and company representatives share their concerns, achievements, and future plans experienced during the research process, answering questions from on-site attendees. Networking programs are prepared to naturally continue discussions on cooperation needs between companies and investment and partnership opportunities. Briefings introducing industrial technology policy directions and support systems are also held, serving as a communication channel where the voices of the R&D field meet government policies.

Participation programs for the general public and youth are also enhanced. Major company booths offer content that allows visitors to directly see and experience future technologies such as next-generation semiconductors, future cars, eco-friendly ships, and energy solutions, helping them feel how industrial technology integrates into daily life. For young people contemplating careers in the industrial technology field, various career paths in R&D roles, technology commercialization, overseas marketing, and testing and certification are introduced, along with mentoring opportunities with field experts.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy expects this Korea Tech Festival to be a venue that explains 'performance-centered industrial technology policy' from the public's perspective. The intention is to translate achievements that have remained in reports and statistics into actual products and services and the voices of the field, allowing the public to see and feel them directly. Simultaneously, it is anticipated to be a venue for companies and researchers to share each other's experiences and failure and success stories, finding new cooperation opportunities, and for policy makers to reassess the demands of the field.

The 2025 Korea Tech Festival, running from the 3rd to the 5th, is a festival that simultaneously reflects the present and future of Korean industry. It is an opportunity for companies and researchers at the forefront of technological innovation to meet the public in one space and for the government's full-cycle support policies to be confirmed as concrete achievements. The government's commitment to achieving real growth through the power of industrial technology is expected to lead to more tangible changes throughout the field as a result of this event.

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