Bilans d’évènement • La Chambre • Partenaires
France Takes Center Stage at NextRise Seoul 2026 with the Team France Pavilion
France made a strong impression at NextRise Seoul 2026, one of Asia’s largest startup and innovation exhibitions, through the Team France Pavilion, bringing together French institutions, corporations, startups, and innovation stakeholders under a unified national presence.
The Pavilion featured 17 French startups and companies showcasing innovative solutions across AI, deeptech, quantum technologies, digital transformation, sustainability, education, healthcare, and business services. Participating companies included Yindii, Foundry, Wise Integration, EduShorts, QIMA, Planisware, Edith, OrtCloud, Neira, KFTV, Glimps, ITConcept, IRVIS, BBalance, Quandela, Yundera by Aptero, and Asiance.
Throughout the event, participating companies benefited from a dedicated platform to connect with investors, corporate partners, and key players from Korea’s innovation ecosystem while exploring new business opportunities in the region
Led by the Team France (French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI)Embassy of France in the Republic of Korea, Business France, the Conseillers du Commerce Extérieur de la France (CCE)), and together with La French Tech Seoul.
The initiative highlighted France’s position as a global innovation hub and reinforced strategic cooperation between France and Korea in technology, entrepreneurship, and investment.
This year held particular significance as France was invited as the Guest Country of Honor at NextRise 2026, a recognition that coincides with the celebration of the 140th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between France and the Republic of Korea. France showcased an ecosystem extending far beyond its traditional strengths in luxury and gastronomy. Through the Team France Pavilion and conference program, visitors discovered French expertise in artificial intelligence, deeptech, quantum technologies, advanced industry, sustainability, and digital transformation.
Located in Hall A, the Team France Pavilion featured a dedicated French Innovation Zone bringing together major French companies active in Korea, including Renault Korea, Veolia, Stellantis, Thales, Schneider Electric, Dassault Systèmes, and L'Oréal Groupe, alongside a startup area highlighting innovative French entrepreneurs and technology companies.
The pavilion welcomed a high-level Korean VIP delegation representing key public and private innovation stakeholders, including financial institutions, trade and industry organizations, venture capital associations, and startup ecosystem leaders.
France’s participation also featured a dedicated conference program under the theme “Beyond Luxury and Gastronomy: France as a Global Leader in Innovation and Frontier Technologies.”
The session opened with a video message from Clara Chappaz, French Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, who highlighted France’s ambition to become a leading innovation nation and its commitment to fostering international cooperation in emerging technologies.
This was followed by opening remarks from H.E. Philippe Bertoux, Ambassador of France to the Republic of Korea, who emphasized the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in strengthening France-Korea relations and highlighted the growing opportunities for collaboration between the two countries’ innovation ecosystems.
David-Pierre Jalicon, Chairman of the French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), then underscored the depth of the economic relationship between France and Korea:
"France last year was the third largest investor in Korea. Nearly 70% of French exports to Korea are integrated into Korean production and value chains, contributing directly to strategic sectors such as semiconductors, mobility, aerospace, energy, decarbonized industry, and artificial intelligence. In other words, France is not simply trading with Korea."
The conference continued with presentations and discussions led by Team France organizations and participating companies, showcasing French expertise in artificial intelligence, deeptech, quantum technologies, sustainability, advanced industry, and digital transformation, while exploring new opportunities for France-Korea cooperation in innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship.
With more than 25,000 participants, 500 exhibitors, and 3,000 business meetings, NextRise has established itself as one of Asia’s leading platforms for innovation and international business cooperation. France’s prominent presence this year reflects the growing strength of France-Korea economic relations and the increasing interest of French companies and startups in the Korean market.
