"AI Meets Green Technology"... Climate Tech Heats Up 'ENVEX 2026'

Korea's Longest-Running Green Industry Exhibition Opens

New Climate Tech and AI Special Pavilion Debuts

Yoo Kwangtae, CEO of U&U, is introducing 'FlocFinder,' a water quality and process monitoring product developed by his company, at the 'ENVEX2026' event held on the 20th at COEX in Seoul. Photo by Kang Hee-jong

"With artificial intelligence (AI), it is possible to analyze sensor data from sewage or wastewater in real time, which can dramatically reduce the amount of air blower operation and chemicals used during water purification."

The 47th International Exhibition on Environmental Industry Technology & Green Energy (ENVEX2026), which opened at COEX in Seoul on May 20, newly introduced a "Climate Tech and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Special Pavilion" this year in line with the industrial trend of digital transformation (DX).

Kwangtae Yoo, CEO of U&U, a company specializing in water treatment solutions, attracted attention at the event by showcasing operational optimization solutions (MaaSFlow) based on AI and smart sensing, along with water quality and process monitoring sensors. Major domestic companies such as SK, GS, LG, Kia, and Daesang use the company's products for water purification. Yoo explained, "We are also exporting to the United States, Israel, Malaysia, and Vietnam."

Rivet exhibited "Transolution," a platform that collects, analyzes, and visualizes environmental data for companies in real time. Jeongmin Lee, CEO of Rivet, explained, "It can automatically generate customized reports to respond to domestic and international climate regulations, including greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 to 3) and life cycle assessment (LCA) calculations."

Lee Jungmin, CEO of Livit, is explaining the modular solution for workplace carbon decision support at 'ENVEX2026' held at COEX, Seoul on the 20th. Photo by Heejong Kang.

Hosted by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Korea Environment Preservation Association, ENVEX 2026 marks its 47th edition this year, making it the longest-running green industry exhibition in Korea since its first event in 1979. This year, the event is held at COEX from May 20 to 22.

ENVEX 2026, which has welcomed about 360,000 visitors over the past 10 years, is the largest green industry exhibition in Korea. This year, a total of 316 companies from 26 countries are participating with 655 exhibition booths. Approximately 46,000 visitors are expected to attend.

Taechun Moon, Director of External Environmental Cooperation at the Korea Environment Preservation Association, explained, "Compared to last year, exhibition applications increased by more than 20%, so this year we expanded the exhibition space to include the lobby outside the exhibition hall." The number of overseas national pavilions, such as the European Union (EU) and Switzerland, has increased, and various international companies from France, Poland, China, and more are participating in the event.

The Climate Tech and AI Special Pavilion features a concentrated display of innovative technologies integrating information and communications technology (ICT), including carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology, as well as AI platforms for water and air quality prediction.

Victek showcased a high-efficiency carbon capture solution based on a container module structure, which simplifies installation and operation of CCUS equipment. NS (formerly Neuros) exhibited industrial turboblowers (air blowers) and turbo compressors based on aviation turbo technology with air bearing types.

Sungjin M Tech presented equipment that converts organic waste into biogas. Eco Renew developed and displayed an on-site oil regeneration system that can immediately refine and reuse waste lubricants and more at the site.

Shin Jinsoo, President of the Korea Environment Preservation Association, emphasized, "You will be able to see green industries created by the convergence of AI and clean technology all in one place."

This year’s event includes one-on-one export consultation sessions inviting overseas buyers, advisory consultations for government-to-government (B2G) transactions targeting public officials from developing countries, and the Korea-China Environmental Companies Technology Cooperation Exchange, which supports export projects to the Chinese environmental industry and business matching between domestic companies.

The opening ceremony of 'ENVEX 2026' is being held on the 20th at COEX in Seoul. Korea Environment Preservation Association

In the domestic market, business consultation sessions will be held by inviting public institutions and private demand sources (such as environmental engineering firms), along with support for venture capital investment consultations and intellectual property rights consultations.

In addition, in collaboration with the specialized YouTube channel "My Trash Mister" (featuring actor Kim Seok-hoon), the exhibition plans to introduce outstanding green technologies and companies to the public. Furthermore, an "online exhibition hall" will be operated year-round to enable continuous promotion and real-time consultation for green companies, supporting their ongoing market expansion.

Oh Ilyoung, policy chief of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, stated, "ENVEX 2026 not only showcases innovative technologies that combine AI and green technology, but also serves as a springboard for domestic small and medium-sized green enterprises to expand into overseas markets. We will actively support participating companies to broaden their sales channels and achieve export success."

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