The Future Innovation Tech Expo 2024 (FIX 2024) wrapped up on a high note, attracting 133,118 visitors over four days from October 23 to 26 at Daeguโs EXCO. Under the theme, โA Better Future Shaped by Innovation Technology,โ the event established itself as a leading platform for advanced tech innovation in South Korea, highlighting Daeguโs role in global industry trends.
FIX 2024: An Ecosystem of Advanced Technology
FIX 2024 presented innovations in future mobility, robotics, AI, Big Data, and Blockchain (ABB) across 2,071 booths. Featuring 463 startups and major corporations, the event exceeded its visitor target by the third day, setting a new attendance record. The East Wingโs Mobility Hall was packed, with Teslaโs Cybertruck and Hyundai Mobisโs MOBION e-Corner System attracting significant interest. Visitors also flocked to the UAM Pavilion to try Joby Aviationโs simulator, while global tech leaders such as SK, KT, and AWS demonstrated the latest advances.
The West Wing showcased robotics and ABB technologies, with HD Hyundai Robotics, ABB Korea, and numerous startups demonstrating solutions for industrial and personal robotics. The conference drew major players like NVIDIAand Hyundai, while renowned speakers presented insights on future mobility and AI. Highlights included Hyundaiโs VP Lee Sang-yup on customer-centric design, LGโs Dr. Lee Sang-yong on spatial experience, and Dr. Dennis Hongโs engaging session on humanoid robotics.
FIX 2024 Media Awards: Spotlight on Innovation
FIX 2024 drew 11 global media outlets to cover the eventโs Media Awards, recognizing innovation across categories. Journalists from prominent outlets, including Franceโs Le Cafรฉ Du Geek, Japanโs Gadgetouch, and Indiaโs ET Auto, enhanced FIXโs global visibility by reporting on the event and award winners. On October 24, a โGlobal Media Pick TOP 3 Awardsโ celebrated the standout companies, connecting the worldโs leading tech media with groundbreaking Korean innovations.
Record-Breaking Export and Procurement Consultations
Business networking was a strong focus at FIX 2024, with 1,636 export consultations facilitated for 178 foreign buyers, including GM and Rivian. This resulted in $1.945 billion in potential export contracts, solidifying FIXโs role as a bridge to international markets for Korean companies.
The procurement session successfully linked SMEs with larger corporations such as Samsung and Hyundai, resulting in 285 consultations and generating around KRW 65.47 billion. The Daegu Star Company Pavilion also offered investment opportunities and export consultations, including a $5 million deal on its opening day.
Additionally, Plug and Play Korea launched its first domestic expo, providing a unique platform for startups to connect with investors, aiming to help promising companies achieve unicorn status.
A Global Vision for Innovation from Daegu
FIX 2024โs success underscores Daeguโs commitment to becoming a global tech hub. Mayor Hong Joon-pyo expressed the cityโs ambitious vision: โFIX is set to become a premier global tech platform, on par with CES.โ FIX 2024โs diverse lineup of business programs, conferences, and exhibitions demonstrated the cityโs dedication to fostering a robust innovation ecosystem.
As FIX 2024 continues to grow, Daegu is positioning itself as a leader in advanced technology, driving innovation and opening doors to the global market for Korean companies.