Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to hold marine science and technology week Wednesday through Friday in Seoul

Five promising firms named; one-on-one meetings with German, Chinese companies planned

[Provided by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries]
[Provided by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries]

South Korea is set to hold an event aimed at turning marine and fisheries research and development into startups, investment and overseas market entry. The program will facilitate one-on-one business meetings between domestic small and medium-sized enterprises and foreign marine industry firms from Germany, China and other countries, while five high-potential companies will receive preferential points when applying for government startup and investment support programs.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced Tuesday that it will hold the "2026 Marine and Fisheries Science and Technology Week" at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul from Wednesday through Friday.

Now in its fifth year, the event will be held under the theme "Blue Connect: To the Ocean of the Future, Connected by Technology." The ministry is the host, with the Korea Institute of Marine Science and Technology Promotion (KIMST) serving as organizer. Marking KIMST's 20th anniversary this year, the event will feature more than 20 programs showcasing achievements in research and development, startups and technology commercialization.

At the opening ceremony on Wednesday, the Marine and Fisheries Science and Technology Award will be presented to researchers and companies that have contributed to the advancement of marine and fisheries science and technology.

Five companies identified as promising players in the marine and fisheries sector — Portlogics, Flatdis, Vine Plant, Haeshin and JLT — will then receive designation certificates as preliminary Ocean Stars. The designation entitles them to preferential treatment, including bonus points, when applying for ministry-run startup and investment support programs.

On the second and third days, programs supporting technology transfer, investment consultations and market development will follow. At "Ocean Tech Korea" in particular, the ministry will facilitate one-on-one business meetings between domestic small and medium-sized enterprises and overseas marine and fisheries companies from Germany, China and other countries, helping Korean firms explore potential business partnerships and build global networks.

Expert lectures bridging research and the marketplace are also on the program. Science content creator "Gwedo" will speak on science communication, while Choi Myung-hwa, a professor at Sogang University, will present technology marketing strategies for bringing marine and fisheries science and technology to market.

A presentation session in which students and young researchers participate directly will also be held. Exhibition halls introducing past achievements in marine and fisheries science and technology, along with hands-on experience and event booths, will operate throughout the venue.

"Marine and fisheries science and technology is the link that uncovers the infinite potential of the sea and connects it to the value of the future," Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jong-woo said. "We will spare no effort to ensure that innovative research outcomes in the marine and fisheries sector quickly reach the industrial floor, allowing the marine new-industry sector to leap forward to the next level."


adastra@heraldcorp.com