Czech Science at the EU–Korea Research & Innovation Day 2026
27.03.2026 / 04:41 | Aktualizováno: 27.03.2026 / 04:50
On March 24, 2026, Czechia took part in the 10th anniversary edition of the EU–Korea Research & Innovation Day in Seoul, organized by the EU Delegation in cooperation with the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF). This year’s event was the first since South Korea’s association (July 2025) with the Horizon Europe program, making it the first Asian country to gain access to its II. pillar. The conference attracted more than 650 participants from academia, research institutions, and industry. Horizon Europe, with a budget of €95.5 billion, had already supported 28 projects involving Korean partners in 2025, underscoring the growing importance of this collaboration.
Showcasing Czech Research Capabilities
The Czech exhibition featured materials from three leading institutions—HiLASE, BIOCEV, and SVCS—highlighting their research activities. HiLASE presented advanced laser technologies applicable to industry and materials research, BIOCEV showcased biotechnology and biomedical programs with strong potential for practical application, and SVCS introduced Czech expertise in semiconductor equipment. Linking research with industrial applications was one of the central themes in discussions with Korean partners.
Horizon Europe and New Opportunities
The program included presentations by representatives of the European Commission, Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT, and NRF, who outlined the latest developments in Horizon Europe and the direction of the upcoming FP10 framework program. Practical insights were provided through examples of successful Korean participation in European projects and experiences in connecting research, development, and commercialization.
The afternoon sessions focused on the 2026–2027 work programs and networking between European and Korean partners. Pitching sessions and matchmaking enabled concrete contacts between research institutions and companies, particularly in semiconductors, advanced materials, biotechnology, and energy. Discussions also addressed administrative and financial conditions for project participation.
EU-Korea Research & Innovation Day 2026
Growing Interest in Cooperation with Czechia
Key topics included opportunities for bilateral cooperation through Czech programs such as SIGMA and INTER-EXCELLENCE II – INTER-ACTION, which allow research organizations and companies to join international projects. Interest centered on joint technology development, knowledge sharing, and commercialization. Horizon Europe opportunities and other international schemes, such as the EUREKA initiative and joint NRF–EU calls, also attracted attention.
The Czech Embassy team in Seoul provided Korean partners with information on how to engage with these instruments and offered assistance in identifying Czech partners from both academia and industry.
Vardan Khachatryan, Economic and Consular Diplomat, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Seoul