KOTRA backs K-deep tech push in Berlin with buyer, VC networking event

South Korean AI and blockchain companies tested the waters of the European technology market in Berlin, focusing on expanding cooperation beyond simple product exports to include pilot projects with local firms, joint R&D and investment attraction.

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) announced Thursday that it co-hosted the Korea-Germany Launchpad Networking Forum in Berlin on June 29 (local time) with Asia Berlin, an agency under the city government.

The event was organized in conjunction with GITEX Europe 2026, a Berlin information and communications technology trade show. Korean blockchain companies participating in a joint Korea Pavilion — organized by the Korea Internet and Security Agency, Busan Techno Park and the Daegu Digital Innovation Promotion Agency — had sought to expand their local networks, while the Berlin city government expressed its own interest in partnering with Korean tech firms, bringing the event to fruition.

GITEX Europe is the European extension of GITEX Global, the Middle East's largest technology exhibition, held in Dubai. Focused on business-to-business activity in ICT sectors including AI, cloud computing, big data, digital assets, fintech and blockchain, the event was held for the second time this year.

The forum, held at the CHIC Center in Berlin on the eve of the trade show's opening, drew about 150 participants including representatives from Korean and German tech companies, venture capital firms and potential partners. Under the theme "Ecosystem Focus," speakers included Rainer Seider, chairman of Asia Berlin; Lee Eun-seo, head of German accelerator 123 Factory; and a representative from KOTRA's Hamburg trade office, who introduced the startup ecosystems of both countries and outlined opportunities for cooperation.

In the afternoon, deep tech companies from both sides held pitching sessions. From Korea, Save the Farms presented a blockchain-based carbon reduction platform, Melaka showcased a generative AI content copyright authentication solution, and AI Platform introduced a blockchain-based AI telemedicine service. From Germany, Persobots and Intcube participated, presenting their respective technologies and exploring potential collaboration with Korean firms.

Networking sessions were also held by area of interest. Participants marked their name badges with fields such as AI, deep tech and consulting, then held consultations with relevant companies and investors. Because the European market places a premium on technical validation and local use cases, early connections made at the event could lead to future pilot projects.

KOTRA also ran a support program for Korean companies during GITEX Europe, which ran from June 30 through July 1. The agency provided pre-event online lectures for companies entering the Supernova Challenge, a startup pitching competition with a total purse of 50,000 euros ($57,100), equivalent to about 80 million won ($51,700), and offered one-on-one online coaching to semifinalists. One Korean participant took home an award.

KOTRA also invited buyers, venture capital firms and corporate venture capital funds interested in product procurement and investment opportunities to the Korean blockchain pavilion for one-on-one consultations with domestic companies.

A digital innovation official at a large German medical group said the event was "a rare opportunity for Korean AI and blockchain companies' innovative technologies to meet the needs of Germany's industrial and medical sectors," adding that the company planned to "actively explore the possibility of real cooperation based on the discussions held at this exhibition."

Kang Sang-yeop, KOTRA executive vice president and head of the small and medium-sized enterprise division, said the European innovation technology market "demands partnerships centered on technology cooperation, joint R&D and local proof-of-concept work, not just product supply." He added that KOTRA would "spare no effort in follow-up support to ensure that the demand identified through this Launchpad Forum with the Berlin city government leads to local proof-of-concept projects and export contracts for Korean companies."