From Lab to Life: Korea's High-Impact Innovation Captivates Las Vegas

At the upcoming CES 2026, Korea is expected to capture the global spotlight by showcasing an 'innovation ecosystem' where innovations from the laboratory (Lab) blossom into real-life (Life) services, going beyond a mere technology exhibition. The core keyword for this year's Korean delegation is 'Innovation Density'. Through a 'nation-level full-stack' strategy that organically combines large corporations, local governments, research institutions, and startups, the entire process from basic research, through deep tech, to actual commercial products will be three-dimensionally realized. This approach is being praised as Korean companies demonstrating on-site the 'quick adaptation and execution capabilities' emphasized by Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). This trend is also evident in the actual Innovation Award winners. PersonaAI's learner-customized 'MentorLens AI Tutor Smart Glasses' and Ceragem's environmental data-based skin care solution 'Medispa Pro AI' simultaneously showcase the practicality and future-orientation of technology. The moves of major corporations are also unprecedented. Hyundai Motor Group is participating on its largest scale ever, presenting a 'mobility full-stack' vision encompassing SDV, sensors, and semiconductors, while Samsung Electronics will kick off with its 'The First Look' event the day before the opening. LG Electronics, Doosan Bobcat, and others are also scheduled to unveil next-generation technologies through media days. A particularly prominent feature at this CES 2026 is the 'regional innovation clusters' led by local governments. Busan will showcase cooperation between businesses, universities, and public institutions through its 'Team Busan 2.0' pavilion, while Daejeon City will operate an integrated pavilion to help AI and semiconductor startups expand overseas. Seoul's Gwanak-gu will also promote the achievements of 'Gwanak S-Valley' and set up its own pavilion for the third consecutive year. Metropolitan local governments like Gyeonggi Province (Pangyo Techno Valley) and Seoul City are also demonstrating the potential of region-based innovation by producing a large number of Innovation Award-winning companies. By industry sector, AI, robotics, and beauty tech form the core pillars. The 'K-Humanoid Alliance', comprising some 40 institutions, will showcase Korea's national strategic competitiveness in robotics at a dedicated robotics pavilion. In the beauty tech sector, Amorepacific, APR, Kolmar Korea, and others will present the future of 'scientific beauty' by combining AI diagnostics with home beauty devices. John T. Kelly, CTA Vice President, expressed his expectation that the Korean delegation will demonstrate a clear presence as a 'global innovation partner', serving as a platform for partnerships to achieve business goals beyond a simple exhibition. At CES 2026, Korea will present a vision for an innovation ecosystem that creates real value beyond a blueprint for future technology, through the 'density' of innovation.