The exhibition floor at BIO International Convention 2026, where more than 20,000 biotechnology industry professionals from around the world have gathered, has been buzzing with nonstop meetings, partnership discussions and investment negotiations. At the center of that activity are Korean companies, whose presence has grown noticeably stronger than in previous years. At this year’s BIO USA, South Korea was far more than just another participating country. Samsung Biologics, Celltrion and SK Biopharmaceuticals, along with numerous biotech startups, filled exhibition halls across the venue as they pursued global business opportunities. The Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization (KoreaBIO) is supporting participating companies through its largest-ever Korea Pavilion. On June 23, the second day of BIO USA, a steady stream of representatives from global pharmaceutical companies continued to visit Samsung Biologics’ booth, located near the center of the exhibition hall. Samsung Biologics, which has recently expanded its business scope through capacity expansion and entry into the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) market, appeared focused on strengthening its leadership position in the global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) sector during the event. Celltrion presented a similar message. Leveraging its position as a leading biosimilar developer, the company actively promoted its U.S. market expansion strategy. Highlighting its growing U.S. product portfolio and experience establishing a direct sales network, Celltrion emphasized that it is not only a development-focused company but also one with proven commercialization capabilities.
In the new drug development sector, SK Biopharmaceuticals drew attention with its growth strategy centered on artificial intelligence. At the event, the company unveiled a collaboration with an AI-driven drug discovery company and outlined its next-generation growth strategy. Building on its commercialization experience with epilepsy treatment Xcopri, SK Biopharmaceuticals aims to establish a new R&D model that combines open innovation with AI technologies. “AI and open innovation are the keys to the future of drug development,” SK Biopharmaceuticals President Lee Dong-hoon said at the event, expressing the company’s commitment to expanding global partnerships. Dong-A Socio Group also established a joint booth in the AI Zone featuring three affiliates: Dong-A ST, ST Pharm and BtGene. Dong-A ST introduced its drug discovery and development capabilities, key pipeline assets and opportunities for joint research and technology licensing. ST Pharm highlighted its large-scale, high-purity oligonucleotide manufacturing and quality-control capabilities, supported by the launch of its second oligonucleotide production facility and its ability to support projects from early-stage clinical development through commercial production.
Lotte Biologics also operated a standalone booth emphasizing its large-scale manufacturing capabilities. The company promoted its “dual-site” strategy linking its first Songdo Bio Campus plant in Incheon, scheduled for completion in August, with its manufacturing facility in Syracuse, New York. The growing stature of Korea’s biotechnology industry is not limited to large corporations. Biotech startups also held dozens of partnering meetings as they explored opportunities for global expansion. Amid U.S.-China tensions and the restructuring of global supply chains, South Korea is increasingly being viewed as an attractive alternative thanks to its combination of manufacturing capabilities and quality competitiveness. Alteogen, the largest biotechnology company on the KOSDAQ by market capitalization, continues technology licensing negotiations with global pharmaceutical companies based on its subcutaneous (SC) drug delivery platform technology. Intocell has also attracted investor attention through its proprietary technologies and drug development expertise. The Korea Pavilion’s location at the center of the exhibition hall naturally attracted heavy foot traffic, and many international attendees were observed visiting and showing interest in Korean company booths.
[Courtesy of News1] In contrast, the Brazil Pavilion adjacent to the Korea Pavilion and the Spain Pavilion, located farther from the center of the exhibition hall, attracted relatively fewer visitors even during peak daytime hours. “The perception of Korean companies has clearly changed,” a Korean industry official at the event said. “Beyond biosimilars and CDMO services, Korean companies have accumulated meaningful achievements in new drug development and platform technologies, which has elevated their standing in the global market.”
