From drug discovery to antibody design: AI-driven biotech's future on display

Promising South Korean biotech startups will gather to showcase AI-powered innovations and explore pathways into global markets at an upcoming industry forum.

The Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT) said it will host the "Deep Dive Into 2026" biohealth technology forum Thursday at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul.

The event is part of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' Deep-tech Innovation Pioneer Startup (DIPS) project, designed to support technological innovation and global growth among domestic deep tech startups. Running Tuesday through Thursday, the three-day program brings together domestic and international technology experts, innovative companies and investors to explore opportunities for technology exchange, investment and collaboration.

On the forum's final day Thursday, KIT will run a biohealth technology forum, panel discussion and networking program.

At the technology forum, Chandler Chen of VCBeat, a Chinese biotech industry research firm, will present on the development trajectory of China's AI and biotech sectors and avenues for cooperation. Seoul National University Professor Kim Sun and SK Biopharm Team Leader Yoo Taek-sang will present on advances in AI-based drug development technology and cases of innovative research.

Cutting-edge technologies from promising domestic biotech startups will also be unveiled.

Five companies participating in the DIPS project — Oncocross, Galux, Vasgen Bio, Mediaiplus and Selki AI — will present technologies related to AI-based proteomics data analysis, antibody design, clinical trials, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing and production.

The panel discussion that follows will address key industry challenges arising from the convergence of AI and biotech, as well as strategies for global cooperation. Networking sessions with domestic and international investors and industry stakeholders will also provide opportunities to explore technology commercialization and overseas market entry.

KIT said it plans to use the event as a springboard to expand global collaboration and investment connections for domestic AI and biotech startups, and to actively support follow-on commercialization efforts.

"The convergence of AI and biotech is a critical factor that will determine the competitiveness of the future biotech industry," KIT Director Heo Jeong-du said. "We hope this event will serve as an opportunity to showcase the technological capabilities of Korea's innovative biotech companies and uncover new avenues for global cooperation."

Meanwhile, KIT has served as the lead organizer for the DIPS project's biohealth sector since 2022, running a range of programs including analysis of new drug candidates, toxicity testing, global regulatory consulting, domestic and international mentoring, and global commercialization support.