KEPCO's BIXPO 2026 closes with $1.86m in export deals, startup investment push

This year's Bitgaram International Exposition of Electric Power Technology wrapped up with 2.5 billion won ($1.86 million) in export contracts and memorandums of understanding, translating energy innovation technology into commercial outcomes.

Korea Electric Power Corporation said the 11th BIXPO was held from Tuesday through Friday at the Gwangju Kim Dae-jung Convention Center under the theme "Where Innovation Meets Possibility," drawing 198 domestic and international companies and more than 22,000 attendees. Forty-six conference sessions were held over the course of the event. A newly established startup investment pavilion connected technology exchange to investment and commercialization, pointing to new growth opportunities in the energy sector.

The exhibition showcased innovations spanning the full power industry value chain, from generation to transmission and operations. Offshore wind power, high-voltage direct current transmission and DC power supply technology for data centers drew particular attention as solutions to meet growing demand from the expansion of renewable energy and the power needs of advanced industries.

The KEPCO pavilion featured an "AI Virtual Power Grid" that replicates real electricity networks in a virtual environment — a technology designed to improve grid operational efficiency and guide infrastructure investment decisions.

The startup investment pavilion brought together 100 promising companies across four sectors — energy and power, AI and future technology, eco-friendly materials, and smart industry — along with 37 investment firms. One-on-one investment consultations, discussions on corporate partnerships and investment pitch sessions expanded contact between technology companies and investors. A "Playground" zone also allowed visitors to try products and services firsthand.

Conference sessions focused on future strategy. The Global Alternative Investment Conference in particular examined pathways to commercialize energy deep tech and connect it with global capital, exploring growth strategies that bridge technology, industry and finance.

Twenty-one overseas buyers participated in an export consultation fair, concluding export contracts and MOUs worth approximately $1.86 million. A job fair also drew 1,852 job seekers, who took part in on-site interviews and recruitment consultations.

KEPCO President Kim Dong-chul said BIXPO 2026 went beyond sharing solutions to the changes reshaping the energy industry, providing an opportunity for innovative technologies to meet the market and for companies to find partners in growth.