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 Daegu’s EXCO. Under the theme, “A Better Future Shaped by Innovation Technology,” the event established itself as a leading platform for advanced tech innovation in South Korea, highlighting Daegu’s 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 Wing’s Mobility Hall was packed, with Tesla’s Cybertruck and Hyundai Mobis’s MOBION e-Corner System attracting significant interest. Visitors also flocked to the UAM Pavilion to try Joby Aviation’s 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 Hyundai’s VP Lee Sang-yup on customer-centric design, LG’s Dr. Lee Sang-yong on spatial experience, and Dr. Dennis Hong’s engaging session on humanoid robotics.
FIX 2024 Media Awards: Spotlight on Innovation
FIX 2024 drew 11 global media outlets to cover the event’s Media Awards, recognizing innovation across categories. Journalists from prominent outlets, including France’s Le Café Du Geek, Japan’s Gadgetouch, and India’s ET Auto, enhanced FIX’s global visibility by reporting on the event and award winners. On October 24, a “Global Media Pick TOP 3 Awards” celebrated the standout companies, connecting the world’s 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 FIX’s 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 2024’s success underscores Daegu’s commitment to becoming a global tech hub. Mayor Hong Joon-pyo expressed the city’s ambitious vision: “FIX is set to become a premier global tech platform, on par with CES.” FIX 2024’s diverse lineup of business programs, conferences, and exhibitions demonstrated the city’s 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.
