Korea's largest startup festival, COMEUP 2025, opens on December 10 (KST), bringing together innovative startups, global and domestic investors, and major corporations.
From December 10–12 at COEX Seoul, the three-day event features conferences, exhibitions, IR pitching, business matchmaking, and open innovation programs across the themes of Deep Tech, Global, and Entrepreneurship.
SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS, Minister Sungsook Han) and the Korea Startup Forum (KSF, Chairman Sangwoo Han) announced that COMEUP 2025, Korea's largest global startup festival, officially opened on Wednesday, December 10 at COEX Seoul. Launched in 2019, COMEUP has grown into a premier platform where innovative startups, global and domestic investors, and major corporations gather to exchange insights and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Now in its seventh year, COMEUP 2025 is taking place from December 10 to 12 under the slogan "Recode the Future." A wide range of programs, including conferences, exhibitions, IR pitching, and open innovation sessions, are being held across three core themes: Tech, Global, and Entrepreneurship. The festival began with an opening performance by Jinwoo Kim, CEO of LINER, an AI search engine startup selected as a 2025 "Pre-Unicorn." His interactive demonstration with AI delivered the message that while AI predicts the future, startups are the ones who rewrite it.
This year's event features 275 startups from 46 countries presenting their technologies and services. Seven countries, including Saudi Arabia and India, have set up national pavilions to showcase their ecosystems and promote their leading startups. Key figures from the global tech and startup ecosystems are also taking the stage throughout the festival. Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN, Saudi Arabia's national AI company, and Sunghyun Park, CEO of Rebellions, are delivering keynote speeches aligned with the festival theme, "Recode the Future." Additional conference sessions over the three days explore diverse topics such as the future of the app ecosystem in the AI era, technologies addressing the climate crisis, emerging Gen-Z entrepreneurs born in 2004–2006, and the realities of a founder's life as seen through the eyes of their children.
COMEUP 2025 also offers expanded opportunities for startups to meet global investors and leading corporations. A wide range of global VCs, CVCs, and accelerators have been invited to strengthen investment and partnership channels. Thirty-five global and major Korean corporations are participating on-site to engage with startups and explore co-innovation possibilities. More than 2,000 business matchmaking meetings are being arranged, supported by investor booths and corporate booths where startups can hold on-site meetings even without prior matchmaking.
A series of major side programs are taking place alongside the main festival. These include the opening ceremony of the OpenData X AI Challenge, offering AI startups opportunities for testing and validation, the Challenge! K-Startup 2025 Grand Finale, the nation's largest joint startup competition hosted by 10 government ministries; and the 2025 K-Startup Grand Challenge Demo Day, showcasing the year's top foreign startup teams. The Venture & Startup Awards Ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations that have contributed to Korea's startup ecosystem, is also being held during the event period.
Major sessions and programs from COMEUP 2025 will be available for replay on the official COMEUP YouTube channel.
SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS, Minister Sungsook Han) and the Korea Startup Forum (KSF, Chairman Sangwoo Han) announced that COMEUP 2025, Korea's largest global startup festival, officially opened on Wednesday, December 10 at COEX Seoul. Launched in 2019, COMEUP has grown into a premier platform where innovative startups, global and domestic investors, and major corporations gather to exchange insights and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Now in its seventh year, COMEUP 2025 is taking place from December 10 to 12 under the slogan "Recode the Future." A wide range of programs, including conferences, exhibitions, IR pitching, and open innovation sessions, are being held across three core themes: Tech, Global, and Entrepreneurship. The festival began with an opening performance by Jinwoo Kim, CEO of LINER, an AI search engine startup selected as a 2025 "Pre-Unicorn." His interactive demonstration with AI delivered the message that while AI predicts the future, startups are the ones who rewrite it.
This year's event features 275 startups from 46 countries presenting their technologies and services. Seven countries, including Saudi Arabia and India, have set up national pavilions to showcase their ecosystems and promote their leading startups. Key figures from the global tech and startup ecosystems are also taking the stage throughout the festival. Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN, Saudi Arabia's national AI company, and Sunghyun Park, CEO of Rebellions, are delivering keynote speeches aligned with the festival theme, "Recode the Future." Additional conference sessions over the three days explore diverse topics such as the future of the app ecosystem in the AI era, technologies addressing the climate crisis, emerging Gen-Z entrepreneurs born in 2004–2006, and the realities of a founder's life as seen through the eyes of their children.
COMEUP 2025 also offers expanded opportunities for startups to meet global investors and leading corporations. A wide range of global VCs, CVCs, and accelerators have been invited to strengthen investment and partnership channels. Thirty-five global and major Korean corporations are participating on-site to engage with startups and explore co-innovation possibilities. More than 2,000 business matchmaking meetings are being arranged, supported by investor booths and corporate booths where startups can hold on-site meetings even without prior matchmaking.
A series of major side programs are taking place alongside the main festival. These include the opening ceremony of the OpenData X AI Challenge, offering AI startups opportunities for testing and validation, the Challenge! K-Startup 2025 Grand Finale, the nation's largest joint startup competition hosted by 10 government ministries; and the 2025 K-Startup Grand Challenge Demo Day, showcasing the year's top foreign startup teams. The Venture & Startup Awards Ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations that have contributed to Korea's startup ecosystem, is also being held during the event period.
Major sessions and programs from COMEUP 2025 will be available for replay on the official COMEUP YouTube channel.
1,156 exhibitors, attracting 67,184 professional visitors.
Exhibition area of nearly 100,000 square meters
Ten high-level forums addressing key industry trends
SHANGHAI, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 27, 2026, the three-day productronica Shanghai 2026 successfully concluded, attracting a total of 67,184 visitors. productronica Shanghai 2026 brought together 1,156 exhibitors across nearly 100,000 square meters, presenting the latest technologies in electronic intelligent manufacturing. Spanning the entire industry value chain—from SMT production and industrial automation to wiring harness processing and quality inspection—the exhibition provided a comprehensive platform for technology exchange, business development, and insights into emerging industry trends in Asia. The BrandNEW product launch event further highlighted key innovations, offering companies opportunities to present new technologies and respond to evolving market demands.
Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, CEO of Messe München, emphasized: "productronica Shanghai 2026 once again highlights China's central role in the global electronics manufacturing value chain. The event serves as a key platform for technological exchange and regional collaboration in Asia."
Jan Rohde, CFO and Deputy General Manager of Messe Muenchen Shanghai Co., Ltd., added: "The electronics manufacturing industry is rapidly advancing toward intelligent production. With technologies such as AI and embodied intelligence gaining momentum, we are committed to delivering a platform that meets evolving industry needs and supports high-quality growth."
SMT industry advances toward AI-driven and autonomous production
The increasing integration of artificial intelligence and digital twin technologies is accelerating the transformation of SMT production lines from automated processes to more autonomous and adaptive systems. Capabilities such as real-time quality control, predictive maintenance, and process self-optimization are becoming essential components of modern smart factories.
At productronica Shanghai 2026, companies including FUJI, Europlacer, Mycronic, KURTZ ERSA, and Rehm presented advanced solutions for intelligent SMT production. In addition, live demonstrations in Hall E3 provided visitors with practical insights into fully integrated production lines and real-time manufacturing processes.
Wiring harness processing evolves with high-voltage and intelligent applications
Driven by the adoption of high-voltage platforms in new energy vehicles and the growing demand for intelligent mobility solutions, wiring harness systems are evolving beyond traditional connectivity functions. They are increasingly becoming critical components for efficient power distribution and data transmission.
Exhibitors such as Komax, Schleuniger, and Schunk Sonosystems showcased technologies for automated processing, integrated quality monitoring, and flexible production. These solutions support manufacturers in improving efficiency while adapting to more complex and customized application requirements.
Industrial automation gains momentum through embodied intelligence
Advances in embodied intelligence and robotics are accelerating the development of more flexible and adaptive manufacturing environments. Collaborative robots and humanoid systems are increasingly being integrated into production processes, particularly in the automotive and electronics industries.
productronica Shanghai 2026 featured companies such as ABB, Techman Robot, ROKAE, and Beckhoff, presenting solutions that combine robotics, control systems, and digital technologies. These innovations contribute to more flexible production models and support the ongoing digital transformation of the electronics manufacturing industry.
AI enhances quality inspection and testing technologies
AI-based visual inspection is driving the evolution of test and measurement technologies from conventional manual and 2D inspection methods toward automated and data-driven 3D analysis. This development enables more precise quality control and supports the implementation of closed-loop manufacturing processes.
Companies including KOH YOUNG, Omron, Viscom, and TRI presented inspection and measurement solutions designed to enhance product quality, increase efficiency, and enable more flexible production environments.
Miniaturization and reliability drive innovation in dispensing and materials
As electronic devices become increasingly compact and performance requirements continue to rise, dispensing technologies and advanced materials are playing a critical role in manufacturing. Precision, process stability, and material performance are key factors in meeting the demands of industries such as automotive, electronics, and medical technology.
At the exhibition, companies such as Nordson EFD, Musashi Engineering, and Henkel showcased solutions for high-precision dispensing and advanced material applications, supporting reliable and efficient production processes.
Industry forums address key trends and future developments
Such as embodied intelligence, power semiconductors, medical electronics, and new energy applications. These forums brought together experts, industry leaders, and technology specialists to discuss current challenges, share practical insights, and explore future development paths.
productronica Shanghai 2026 concluded after three successful days, underlining its role as an important platform for innovation and collaboration in the electronics manufacturing industry. The event highlighted key technological developments and provided valuable momentum for the continued advancement of intelligent manufacturing in Asia.
The next productronica Shanghai will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) from March 24 to 26, 2027.
SHANGHAI, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 27, 2026, the three-day productronica Shanghai 2026 successfully concluded, attracting a total of 67,184 visitors. productronica Shanghai 2026 brought together 1,156 exhibitors across nearly 100,000 square meters, presenting the latest technologies in electronic intelligent manufacturing. Spanning the entire industry value chain—from SMT production and industrial automation to wiring harness processing and quality inspection—the exhibition provided a comprehensive platform for technology exchange, business development, and insights into emerging industry trends in Asia. The BrandNEW product launch event further highlighted key innovations, offering companies opportunities to present new technologies and respond to evolving market demands.
Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, CEO of Messe München, emphasized: "productronica Shanghai 2026 once again highlights China's central role in the global electronics manufacturing value chain. The event serves as a key platform for technological exchange and regional collaboration in Asia."
Jan Rohde, CFO and Deputy General Manager of Messe Muenchen Shanghai Co., Ltd., added: "The electronics manufacturing industry is rapidly advancing toward intelligent production. With technologies such as AI and embodied intelligence gaining momentum, we are committed to delivering a platform that meets evolving industry needs and supports high-quality growth."
SMT industry advances toward AI-driven and autonomous production
The increasing integration of artificial intelligence and digital twin technologies is accelerating the transformation of SMT production lines from automated processes to more autonomous and adaptive systems. Capabilities such as real-time quality control, predictive maintenance, and process self-optimization are becoming essential components of modern smart factories.
At productronica Shanghai 2026, companies including FUJI, Europlacer, Mycronic, KURTZ ERSA, and Rehm presented advanced solutions for intelligent SMT production. In addition, live demonstrations in Hall E3 provided visitors with practical insights into fully integrated production lines and real-time manufacturing processes.
Wiring harness processing evolves with high-voltage and intelligent applications
Driven by the adoption of high-voltage platforms in new energy vehicles and the growing demand for intelligent mobility solutions, wiring harness systems are evolving beyond traditional connectivity functions. They are increasingly becoming critical components for efficient power distribution and data transmission.
Exhibitors such as Komax, Schleuniger, and Schunk Sonosystems showcased technologies for automated processing, integrated quality monitoring, and flexible production. These solutions support manufacturers in improving efficiency while adapting to more complex and customized application requirements.
Industrial automation gains momentum through embodied intelligence
Advances in embodied intelligence and robotics are accelerating the development of more flexible and adaptive manufacturing environments. Collaborative robots and humanoid systems are increasingly being integrated into production processes, particularly in the automotive and electronics industries.
productronica Shanghai 2026 featured companies such as ABB, Techman Robot, ROKAE, and Beckhoff, presenting solutions that combine robotics, control systems, and digital technologies. These innovations contribute to more flexible production models and support the ongoing digital transformation of the electronics manufacturing industry.
AI enhances quality inspection and testing technologies
AI-based visual inspection is driving the evolution of test and measurement technologies from conventional manual and 2D inspection methods toward automated and data-driven 3D analysis. This development enables more precise quality control and supports the implementation of closed-loop manufacturing processes.
Companies including KOH YOUNG, Omron, Viscom, and TRI presented inspection and measurement solutions designed to enhance product quality, increase efficiency, and enable more flexible production environments.
Miniaturization and reliability drive innovation in dispensing and materials
As electronic devices become increasingly compact and performance requirements continue to rise, dispensing technologies and advanced materials are playing a critical role in manufacturing. Precision, process stability, and material performance are key factors in meeting the demands of industries such as automotive, electronics, and medical technology.
At the exhibition, companies such as Nordson EFD, Musashi Engineering, and Henkel showcased solutions for high-precision dispensing and advanced material applications, supporting reliable and efficient production processes.
Industry forums address key trends and future developments
Such as embodied intelligence, power semiconductors, medical electronics, and new energy applications. These forums brought together experts, industry leaders, and technology specialists to discuss current challenges, share practical insights, and explore future development paths.
productronica Shanghai 2026 concluded after three successful days, underlining its role as an important platform for innovation and collaboration in the electronics manufacturing industry. The event highlighted key technological developments and provided valuable momentum for the continued advancement of intelligent manufacturing in Asia.
The next productronica Shanghai will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) from March 24 to 26, 2027.
