From AI Semiconductors to Quantum Security... Photonics Convergence Technologies Gather in Gwangju

International Photonics Convergence Expo to be held October 28-29 at Kim Dae-jung Convention Center

Around 80 companies and institutions to take part, operating 109 booths

Export consultations with overseas buyers and a job fair also to be held

The 2026 International Photonics Convergence Expo, where visitors can see photonics technologies and products used in advanced industries—from AI semiconductors and quantum security to future mobility—all in one place, will be held October 28-29 at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Jeonnam Gwangju.

According to Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City on October 26, this year's event, now in its 24th year, is hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Gwangju Special City and organized by the Korea Photonics Industry Promotion Association. Around 80 domestic companies and institutions involved in photonics convergence will take part, operating 109 booths.

Web poster for the "2026 International Photonics Convergence Expo." Provided by Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City.

The exhibition will cover optical components for AI data, AI semiconductors and advanced packaging, quantum and security photonics, smart manufacturing and digital transformation, future mobility and energy, bio-healthcare, and optical materials and components and optical energy.

This year, a "Photonic Semiconductor Zone" will be introduced. It will showcase next-generation optical communications and data processing technologies and facilitate technology exchanges between companies and institutions.

An export consultation event will also be held to help companies develop overseas markets. More than 60 overseas buyers from eight countries will attend and hold one-on-one consultations with domestic companies. The organizers will provide interpretation and consultation support, aiming to facilitate around 100 export consultations and export contracts worth 7 billion won.

The 1st Jeonnam-Gwangju Anchor Project Group Job Fair will also take place alongside the expo. It will connect local companies with job seekers through on-site interviews, employment consultations, recruitment presentations, and special lectures by invited speakers.

Park Jeonghwan, head of the AI Mobility Bureau at Gwangju Special City, said, "I hope this expo will widely showcase the technological competitiveness of the photonics convergence industry and provide an opportunity to explore new markets through collaboration among companies." He added, "I ask for your interest and participation so that companies and local talent can grow together through the job fair as well."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.