Kwangwoon Univ. DeepTech Summit cements new era of global tech alliances

Panelists at Kwangwoon University’s DeepTech Conference 2026 gather for a group photo during the event on the university’s campus in Seoul, Mar. 26. Courtesy of Kwangwoon University

Kwangwoon University concluded its three-day DeepTech Conference 2026 on March 28, drawing more than 250 industry leaders and academics from 18 countries in a gathering that underscored the growing importance of international cooperation in the deep tech sector. Representing more than 60 companies and institutions, the summit highlighted a widening push toward cross-border collaboration in advanced technologies.

The event was co-hosted by the Embassy of India in Seoul, Indians in Korea (IIK) and the Sanatan Dham Foundation, pointing to an emerging technology corridor linking Seoul and New Delhi.

A broad mix of corporate sponsors — including Synopsys, Gintel, Atomy and Air India, along with Indichem, Wellmatix and FinstadiumX — underscored a shift toward a more integrated global ecosystem for scientific and engineering innovation.

Professor Nagendra Kumar Kaushik of Kwangwoon University, who also serves as president of IIK, chaired the conference and led its organization.

The program featured 73 research presentations and sessions centered on artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and cybersecurity, alongside a special address, 18 invited lectures, and multiple oral and poster presentations. An industry panel discussed prospects and challenges for trilateral cooperation among Korea, India and Japan.

Former Minister of SMEs and Startups Lee Young delivered a special keynote address, stressing that Korea's manufacturing base combined with India's software capabilities and talent pool could generate synergies in industries such as AI and semiconductors.

"Koreans and Indians share a common spirit in many respects and are capable of complementing one another," Lee said.

Indian Ambassador to Korea Gourangalal Das said India and Korea are partners in innovation, not merely trading partners, adding that the technologies discussed at the conference will shape global competitiveness over the next decade and that the present moment is an optimal time for the two countries to build a foundation for cooperation.

The conference also featured a performance by Richard Roh, who played music from Korea and India, followed by traditional Indian dance and music.

Organizers said the network of researchers, companies and policymakers formed across 18 countries through the conference is expected to lead to joint research projects, industrial cooperation and bilateral programs.