FT2030 in Korea & France-Korea Innovation Forum

September 15th, Seoul

On September 15th, French Tech Seoul, Business France, the Economic Service of the French Embassy in Korea and the FKCCI (French Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry), joined forces to welcome a delegation of 9 startups and scale-ups selected as FT2030: Factoopi, Filigran, Inventec, Metron, Mincated Energy, Music Unit, Numalis, Quandela, Technic.

Starting with a welcoming session at the French Embassy to introduce the Korean ecosystem and the different support that they can get, the delegation was invited to a dedicated "teatime" with Mr. Yongseok ROH, Vice-Minister of the MSS (Ministry of Startups and SMEs). Conducted in French, in the presence of H.E. Philippe BERTOUX, Ambassador of France to Korea and Mme. Marie-Laure DENIS, Chairwoman of the CNIL (French Data Protection Authority) - in visit in Seoul at the same time - this session allowed each startups to present their activities, product and interest in the South Korean market.

To end this busy day, French Tech Seoul, Business France, FKCCI and the French Embassy to South Korea had organized the "France-Korea Innovation Forum: Share and Lead the future together", at the Global Startup Center in Yeoksam, with the support of the MSS.

Gathering around 100 high-level participants from public institutions, startups, and corporations, the event underscored the strong momentum of bilateral cooperation following the recent meeting between the French and Korean Presidents. Looking ahead to the 140th anniversary of friendship between France and Korea in 2026, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to advancing together in key technological sectors and deeptech. 

The forum opened with welcoming remarks from Mr. Philippe Bertoux, Ambassador of France in the Republic of Korea, followed by keynote interventions from Mr. Bruno Bonnell, General Secretary for Investments of the French Government in charge of France 2030, and Mr. Yongseok Roh, Vice Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, who shared national strategies to foster innovation-driven growth.

A highlight of the evening was the panel discussion on innovation, moderated by Isabelle Morin, Co-President of French Tech Seoul, featuring insights from leaders across energy, AI, robotics, and industry: Mr. Oh Hyun KIM, General Manager of Air Liquide Solution Korea; Mr. Jisuk OH, VP Sales Korea of Exotec, Mr. Dokyung LEE, CEO of Bone Robotics and Cedric CHANE, CEO of Aptero. The debate emphasized the importance of trusted AI, sustainable industrial solutions, and cross-border ecosystems that accelerate startup growth.

Our community is always excited to see more interest from French startups and scale-ups for the Korean market. Welcome everyone to South Korea !