Expert exchanges in Seoul: from groundbreaking technologies to future research and economic cooperation

The first Germany-Korea AI Forum

The Germany-Korea Forum on AI took place for the first time on 29 September 2025, organised by Fraunhofer Korea, the Seoul AI Foundation, the German Embassy and the Korean research agency IITP under the umbrella of the Korean-German Digital Dialogue and sponsored by the two supporting ministries, BMDS and MSIT.

During the half-day forum, AI experts from both countries exchanged views on the current state of technology, research and cooperation. Humanoids and their possible applications were a topic that also featured prominently at the subsequent Seoul Smart Life Week (SLW).

Dancing humanoids at Smart Life Week

At Smart Life Week, the Secretariat for the Korean-German Digital Dialogue first presented current international smart city cooperation projects, including those relating to urban data ecosystems. We then took part in a panel discussion, where it became clear that successful digitalisation requires international cooperation, professional networking and the exchange of experience.

The halls of the Coex exhibition centre showcased developments in the Asian tech start-up scene and how AI is already being used in everyday life in Korea. Humanoid robots capable of performing smooth movements were on display, which are already being used extensively in the care sector in some Asian countries. Impressive presentations and discussions on AI-supported robot dogs and their application took place at the stand of mobilio, one of the two Korean start-ups that had previously visited Urban Tech Republic in Berlin (see this article). The secretariat also visited the second start-up, TNG Lab, at the Incheon Global Campus.

Return visit to Korean start-ups and government agencies

The start-up TNG Lab develops sensor-based, autonomous green solutions, such as plant walls. During the exchange, the potential for climate-resilient cities became clear. As part of the Korean-German Digital Dialogue, it was jointly agreed to establish and expand international smart city cooperation. At meetings with the Korea Development Institute (KDI), the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), the Korea Local Information Research & Development Institute (KLID) and the KOIIA industry association, opportunities for cooperation were discussed and the foundation laid for future successful partnerships. These cooperations are to be launched and further expanded in 2026.