KIC Europe (Korea Innovation Center Europe; Korea-EU Research and Innovation Center, headed by Director Hwang Jong-un) announced on the 19th that it is supporting the entry of domestic innovative startups into the European market by participating for the fifth consecutive year in France’s VIVA Technology 2026 (hereinafter VIVA Tech 2026), Europe’s largest startup and innovation technology exhibition.

Based in Berlin, Germany, KIC Europe is a government-led global startup hub that supports outstanding domestic science and technology and ICT startups and research technologies so that they can successfully enter and establish themselves in the European market.

Marking its 10th anniversary this year, VIVA Tech 2026 is being held under the theme “Artificial Intelligence (AI): Real Impact, Not Fantasy,” bringing together about 180,000 participants and more than 14,000 startups from June 17 to 20 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in France.

In particular, as the event is being held in the year that marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, more than seven organizations — including the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED), the Gyeonggi Institute of Science & Technology Promotion (GSTEP), the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) KSC Paris, and the industry-academic cooperation foundations of Korea University and Kwangwoon University — have joined forces to create what is reported to be the largest-ever “Korea Pavilion.”

A total of 39 innovative companies in future growth industries (including AI, mobility, eco-friendly/energy, and deep tech) are participating in this pavilion, and among them KIC Europe and GSTEP are focusing on supporting the entry of eight advanced manufacturing startups from Gyeonggi Province into the European market.

On the first day of the exhibition, June 17, tangible achievements were recorded toward the global scale-up of Korean startups. A tripartite business agreement was signed with Dassault Systèmes, a French company specializing in 3D experience and software.

On the 18th, KIC Europe hosted a demo day event aimed at attracting global investment, inviting major local European venture capital firms and accelerator institutions under the EU. Korean companies that pitched at the event presented innovative technologies and service models tailored to European market demand, and received positive evaluations from local investors regarding their potential for business expansion and competitiveness in the European market.

Hwang Jong-un, Director of KIC Europe, said, “We are pleased to expand the operation of the Korea Pavilion together with related institutions such as the MSS, KISED, KOSME, and GSTEP in this meaningful year marking the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of VIVA Tech,” adding, “Through the signing of the MOU with Dassault Systèmes and the demo day, the status of Korean deep tech startups has once again been confirmed. We will continue follow-up support so that Korea-style unicorn companies can emerge in the European market in the future.”

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