by Sung, Jae Jun
BIOPLUS-INTERPHEX KOREA 2026 (BIX 2026), a leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical convention, opened at COEX in Seoul on October 28. Hosted by Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization (KoreaBIO), this year’s event runs through October 30 under the theme “Real Innovation Glows in the Dark.” Over three days, BIX 2026 brings together technologies, market insights, and industry stakeholders from Korea and abroad through its exhibition, conference, programs, and networking opportunities.
Approximately 150 people attended the opening ceremony, including government officials, industry representatives, head of major organizations, and executives from Korean and international companies. Attendees included Christopher Hansung Ko, President of KoreaBIO; Min-woo Lee, Deputy Minister for Industry and Growth at the Ministry of Trade, and Resources (MOTIR); and Philip Jennings, Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), representing Canada, this year’s Country of Honor. Also in attendance were KoreaBIO’s honorary chairperson, representatives of related organizations and sponsors, H.E. the Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Korea, and H.E. the Ambassador of Lithuania to the Republic of Korea.
In his opening remarks, Ko said, “With significant funding and attention currently focused on AI, the bioindustry is facing challenging conditions, including long R&D timelines and a slowdown in investment. Nevertheless, biotechnology is an industry that develops treatments for human diseases and transforms people’s lives, and I hope it will continue to receive sustained investment and attention.” He added, “I hope the connections made here today among companies, researchers, and investors will lead to joint research, commercialization, and entry into global markets, with BIX serving as the starting point.”
This year, BIX brings together more than 300 companies from around the world, with an exhibition featuring 600 booths. Major Korean and international companies, including Samsung Bioepis, Sartorius, Merck, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, are participating alongside companies across the biopharmaceutical value chain, from R&D and manufacturing to analytics and cold-chain solutions. Exhibitors are showcasing the latest technologies and solutions in drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, analytical equipment, automation, and cold-chain logistics, while exploring business opportunities with industry stakeholders from Korea and abroad.
The opening keynote was delivered by Dr. Sally Temple, co-founder of the Neural Stem Cell Institute and co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Luxa Biotechnology LLC. Drawing on research into human stem cells, disease modeling, drug discovery, and cell therapy, Temple discussed advances in therapeutic approaches for neurological disorders and future directions in regenerative medicine.
This year’s conference features more than 90 speakers from Korea and abroad across 30 sessions. Topics include emerging technologies shaping the industry, such as AI-driven drug discovery, radiopharmaceutical (RPT), post-GLP-1 obesity treatments, and space-enabled biopharma. The program also addresses biotech companies’ growth and commercialization strategies, including M&A, NewCo models, global investment, and overseas expansion. On the first day, technical sessions brought together Korean and international experts to discuss AI-powered decision-making in drug development, the global competitiveness of Korean RPT companies, and biopharmaceutical research in space, highlighting new technologies and market opportunities.
On October 29, Stuart Cable, Global Head of Mergers & Acquisitions and Vice Chair at Goodwin, will deliver a keynote session, moderated by Byung-Geon Rhee, Special Advisor at Flagship Pioneering. Drawing on global biopharma M&A cases, the session will examine the decisions and negotiation strategies companies face in actual transactions.
Global collaboration is another key focus of this year’s BIX. Canada, the Country of Honor, is represented by a delegation of approximately 30 biotechnology and healthcare companies. The Canada Pavilion showcases technologies and business opportunities to explore partnerships with Korean counterparts. Lithuania is also presenting its biotechnology companies and technologies through a national pavilion, strengthening connections with Korea’s bioindustry. KoreaBIO signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Canadian national biotechnology industry association, BIOTECanada on October 28 and is scheduled to sign another with the Spanish Bioindustry Association (ASEBIO) on October 30. These agreements aim to strengthen the foundations for member exchanges, business collaboration, and global market expansion.
The exhibition offers visitors an overview of technologies and solutions across the entire bioindustry value chain, from R&D and manufacturing to analytics and logistics. At the Open Stage Session and company Insight Sessions, participating companies and institutions share practical applications of their technologies and business experience. The exhibition floor also provides opportunities for companies to discuss technology partnerships and business opportunities.
The Featured Session on the final day, October 30, will include a live demonstration of non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) technology by Dr. Dion Kelly, co-founder and CEO of Possibility Neurotechnologies. Using a brainwave-sensing headset, Kelly will demonstrate how the technology can be used to make soap bubbles and operate a turntable without physical movement. The session will highlight BCI’s potential to support greater independence in daily life for people with limited mobility.
BIX 2026 continues through October 30 at COEX in Seoul. Further information on exhibitors, the conference schedule, speakers, and on-site programs is available on the official BIX 2026 website.