Three energy deep tech startups secure investment deals, eye global markets

Three domestic energy deep tech startups have signed investment deals, accelerating their commercialization and market entry plans. The companies, which grew out of advanced research from government-funded research institutes and universities, are now setting their sights beyond South Korea on the global energy market.

The Innopolis Foundation announced it is hosting the K-Energy Innopolis Open Connect 2026 from Wednesday through Friday at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Gwangju.

The event was organized in conjunction with the Bitgaram International Exposition of Power Technology 2026 (BIXPO 2026), hosted by Korea Electric Power Corporation, to help energy deep tech companies attract investment and open overseas sales channels.

During the event, the foundation is operating a special exhibition zone for 15 energy deep tech companies from its special districts. The zone introduces the innovative technologies and products of those companies to domestic and international investors and corporate representatives, offering opportunities for commercialization partnerships.

On Wednesday, the foundation held a global IR session for 10 special district companies seeking to enter overseas markets. One-on-one investment consultations with domestic and foreign investors, as well as export consultations with overseas buyers, were also held.

Jeonnam Startup Technology Holding Company signed investment contracts with three firms: Data2Energy and Rex Innovation, both research institute-based companies, and Turbine Crew, a special district startup.

The event also marks the first follow-up collaboration stemming from an MOU on building an energy deep tech innovation ecosystem that the foundation signed last August with four institutions — Korea Electric Power Corporation, Korea Electric Power Data Network, Korea South-East Power (KOEN) and the Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH).

The foundation plans to link the technology, research infrastructure and commercialization support capabilities of those institutions to help energy deep tech companies grow.

The foundation said it will expand tailored support at each stage of a company's growth — from establishing new research institute-based firms to technology demonstration, investment attraction and opening domestic and overseas sales channels.

"For energy deep tech companies to grow into strong niche players, it is crucial to commercialize their superior technologies and connect that to investment and market entry at home and abroad," Innopolis Foundation Chairman Jeong Hui-gwon said. "We will work with partner institutions to broaden the growth foundation that supports our special district companies in commercializing their technology and expanding globally."