Home of South Korea’s Version of CES: Daegu City’s Drive to Be an International Tech Hub
Daegu’s FIX Innovation Awards and Expo: Driving Bold Technological Transformation
Daegu Metropolitan City is making a bold leap toward the future with the Future Innovation Tech Expo (FIX 2024), running from October 23 to 26 at EXCO. The prestigious FIX Innovation Awards Ceremony, which kicked off the event on October 22, highlights Daegu’s ambition to position itself as a global leader in emerging technologies like mobility, AI, robotics, and ICT.
FIX Innovation Awards: Recognizing Tomorrow’s Innovators
The FIX Innovation Awards set the stage for the future by celebrating 36 companies at the forefront of technological innovation. Nine companies received the Grand Innovation Award, and 27 were honored for their contributions to key fields such as autonomous vehicles, AI, Big Data, and robotics. These companies are not just pushing boundaries; they are redefining industries vital to global progress.
Daegu’s proactive approach to fostering innovation is clear. Standout winners like HEI, which developed an advanced tool for assessing electric vehicle battery health, and Phantomics Inc., known for AI-driven diagnostic solutions, embody the innovative spirit Daegu is committed to promoting.
The awards go beyond simple recognition. Winners will receive essential support, including ESG consulting, technology assessments, investment networking, and the chance to pitch at U-CONNECT IR. These accelerator resources aim to fuel the growth of these companies, helping them expand and succeed on the global stage.
FIX 2024: A Visionary Platform for Global Innovation
While the FIX Innovation Awards celebrate remarkable achievements, FIX 2024 is where the future comes to life. This sprawling expo, covering 30,000 square meters with over 450 companies and 2,000 booths, is South Korea’s largest tech event. It serves as a critical platform for showcasing the latest advancements and fostering collaboration among global innovators.
Daegu has unified several major industry exhibitions—such as the Daegu International Future Auto & Mobility Expo (DIFA)—into one powerful event. Attendees will explore groundbreaking technologies, from electric vehicles and autonomous driving systems to AI robots and blockchain. FIX 2024 isn’t just a tech show; it’s a hub for new ideas and solutions that will shape the future.
The expo is divided into four dynamic sections: the Mobility Hall, the Robot Hall, the ABB Hall, and the Startup Hall. Mobility Hallwill showcase innovations from global players like Hyundai, Kia, and GM, with a focus on hydrogen vehicles, secondary batteries, and concept cars. In the Robot Hall, companies like Rainbow Robotics and Bear Robotics will highlight South Korea’s ambition to become one of the top three global robot nations.
Daegu’s Vision: Building a Global Innovation Hub
Daegu’s bold vision for the future is not just about hosting a tech show—it’s about building an ecosystem that accelerates growth and creates opportunities for global cooperation. Vice Mayor Jang-su Jeong shared his perspective during a closed press interview, offering a glimpse into the city’s strategic thinking. He explained that for years, officials from across South Korea traveled to CES in Las Vegas to witness the showcase of Korea’s award-winning technology. This experience inspired Daegu to create its own global platform, bringing innovators from around the world to partner, collaborate, and grow together.
“With FIX 2024, we are bringing innovators from around the world to Daegu to see what Korea has to offer and to partner, collaborate, and grow,” Jeong emphasized. This is not just a one-off event—the city is fully invested in supporting these industries for the long term. Daegu has gone all-in, offering booth space and comprehensive support to participating companies, ensuring that they have the resources necessary to thrive.
Adding to this vision is Daegu’s ongoing construction of a new international airport, scheduled for completion in 2030. This airport will not only handle more international flights, but also serve as a hub for UAS and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), enhancing the city’s role as a global leader in transportation innovation.
Supporting Innovation Through Action
The FIX Innovation Awards and Expo are more than just a recognition of excellence—they represent Daegu’s commitment to shaping the future. The Vice-Mayor’s vision is clear: this isn’t merely about individual success stories; it’s about creating a culture of innovation that benefits entire industries. The awards program, international conferences, and hands-on technology experiences are designed to foster collaboration across borders and help businesses scale.
Daegu’s decision host FIX 2024 shows its belief in building an innovation ecosystem. Winners of the FIX Innovation Awards will also benefit from valuable growth resources like ESG consulting, buyer-matching consultations, and global promotion opportunities. In addition, they will enjoy discounted participation in next year’s event, ensuring continued support for their innovations.
The Vice Mayor’s enthusiasm for the city’s future is clear. What began as a realization that South Korea’s tech leaders were traveling abroad to showcase their achievements has evolved into an ambitious vision to make Daegu a global leader in innovation. Next year, the FIX Innovation Awards will open to international companies, further expanding the city’s impact on the world stage.
Daegu’s Bold Future
As Daegu continues its evolution from a traditional industrial hub to a leader in advanced technologies, FIX 2024 serves as a defining moment for the city. Through strategic investments, strong leadership, and a clear vision for the future, Daegu is positioning itself as a key player in global innovation. The city’s commitment to fostering cooperation, accelerating growth, and driving technological progress is paving the way for lasting global partnerships.
FIX 2024 is not just an event—it’s a bold declaration of Daegu’s intent to lead the future. Through its unwavering support for innovators and its investment in creating an ecosystem for growth, Daegu is well on its way to becoming a recognized name in the global technology landscape.
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