Connecting Mobility, AI, Big Data and Robotics to Build the Future
Daegu, one of South Korea’s major industrial cities, is undergoing an exciting transformation – and FIX 2024 is a tech conference that’s uniting four key industries to help shape the future. Under Mayor Hong Jun-pyo, FIX 2024 represents the city’s mission to reinvent Daegu’s industrial landscape with a focus on mobility, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and robotics. With over 460 companies from around the globe, FIX 2024 stands as a promising example for other cities tackling industrial change.
Daegu’s Roots and the Shift to New Industries
Daegu has a long history in the automobile and textile industries and is famously known as the birthplace of Samsung. However, as the world shifts, so must Daegu. FIX2024 offers an ambitious step in that direction, creating a unique platform for industries that, while distinct, all contribute to the ecosystem of robotics and automation.
EXCO is the publicly owned venue hosting the conference. According to EXCO’s Marketing Director Gyu-sik Kim, FIX 2024 isn’t just about showcasing individual advancements but rather enabling industries to work together. “You can’t have a robot without a brain, you can’t have advanced manufacturing without robots,” Kim emphasized. This connection between AI as the “brain” and robotics as the physical workforce is central to the conference’s theme. Big data provides the backbone, offering valuable insights, while mobility technologies bring these innovations into the real world.
Supporting Startups and Fostering Industry Collaboration
The conference brings together startups, SMEs, large corporations, and international players with a strong focus on supporting startups and fostering cross-industry collaboration. FIX2024 actively helps smaller businesses connect with larger ones, creating what Kim describes as a “virtuous cycle” that drives growth. With resources like the Investment Support Center and venture capital firms, startups gain access to vital support—from one-stop investment assistance to fast-tracked licensing.
The results are impressive. Over the 3 day conference, 200 international buyers met with participants, leading to more than 900 export consultations representing $1.15 billion in business, with $160 million in finalized contracts. Major companies like Samsung and Hyundai engaged in discussions with SMEs, producing $50 million in purchasing consultations, which highlights FIX2024’s commitment to supporting smaller players and integrating them into the broader ecosystem.
This Tech Conference in Korea is Expanding to Become a Global Platform
FIX 2024 exemplifies how integrating four high-growth industries—AI, big data, robotics, and mobility—into one show brings unparalleled business potential. By placing them side by side, FIX encourages collaborations that aren’t possible when these industries operate in isolation, providing a unique environment where AI developers can directly collaborate with robotics companies and mobility experts.
Looking to the future, FIX plans to expand by holding concurrent events throughout Daegu, located near key innovation and manufacturing facilities. This layout will allow attendees to experience these hubs firsthand, enhancing business interactions and sparking new ideas and partnerships across the city.
Looking Toward FIX 2025
This show went from idea to fruition in only 8 months – and while FIX 2024 has been highly successful, EXCO plans to continue refining the event. A council of experts will help guide future strategy, with FIX2025 set to expand international outreach, increase industry connections, and grow its global presence.
For businesses eager to lead in these connected technologies, FIX offers an unmatched opportunity to connect and grow. With a strong focus on collaboration across AI, robotics, big data, and mobility, Daegu is set to become a leading global hub for industrial innovation.
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