The 2026 International Photonics Convergence Expo will be held at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Seo-gu, Gwangju, on Wednesday and Thursday.
Organized by the Korea Photonics Industry Promotion Association and co-hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the South Jeolla-Gwangju integrated special city, the expo will bring together more than 80 companies and institutions in the photonics convergence industry to showcase new optical materials technologies and products.
A dedicated "photonic semiconductor zone" will be set up to support the transition to AI and optical semiconductors, offering a look at the direction of next-generation optical communications and data processing technology.
An export consultation fair has also been arranged, with more than 60 overseas buyers from eight countries invited to help domestic companies expand into foreign markets.
Organizers plan to facilitate more than 100 export consultations and target 7 billion won ($5.29 million) in export contracts, with one-on-one matching and interpretation services provided to generate tangible results in product and technology discussions.
This year, the expo will run alongside the first South Jeolla-Gwangju Anchor Project Job Fair.
Through programs including interviews, career counseling, recruitment briefings and special lectures, the fair aims to give job seekers the chance to explore employment opportunities and prepare for hiring, while giving companies direct access to the talent they need.
sij@heraldcorp.com
