Busan Claims Record for CES Innovation Awards and Best of Innovation at CES 2026—Proving Its Emerging Power in AI, Robotics, and Advanced Technology
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Busan Claims Record for CES Innovation Awards and Best of Innovation at CES 2026—Proving Its Emerging Power in AI, Robotics, and Advanced Technology
□ Twelve companies from Busan have been celebrated with CES Innovation Awards and Best of Innovation ahead of CES 2026, the world’s most prominent consumer electronics event slated for January 2026 in Las Vegas, United States.
○ The nine confirmed CES Innovation Awards recipients are: ▲ CIT (ultra-flat copper-deposition glass for semiconductor packaging); ▲ DataFlare (ship verification and carbon-emission monitoring platform); ▲ Twohands Interactive (augmented-reality digital sports platform utilizing LiDAR sensors); ▲ Schaffengott (AI- and IoT-enabled disaster safety system); ▲ VISION TECH (non-waterproof structure circuit breaker with leakage-current restriction); ▲ Hubplatform (peanutcat: cat-recognition auto feeder); ▲ POWERCOOL (POWERCOOL HANDY 2026: portable hybrid air conditioner); ▲ Vueron Technology (VueX: unified LiDAR software development platform); and ▲ MOSS (all-in-one music platform). One additional honoree will be revealed during CES 2026.
○ The companies that garnered Best of Innovation are: ▲ Crosshub (blockchain-based, fourth-generation hybrid identity authentication); and ▲ STUDIO LAB (digital platform that incorporates mixed reality, VFX virtual screens, and filming robots equipped with AI).
□ For the first time in Busan, two companies—▲ Crosshub and ▲ STUDIO LAB—earned Best of Innovation, which positions them for significant international attention.
○ ▲ Crosshub highlights IDBlock, a blockchain-based, fourth-generation hybrid identity authentication protocol, underscoring Busan’s innovative prowess.
○ ▲ STUDIO LAB has achieved the remarkable feat of being recognized at CES for three consecutive years (Best of Innovation twice, Innovation Award once), known for its technological sophistication and exceptional appeal in the XR & Spatial Computing category with its intelligent filming robot GENCY STUDIO.
□ These accomplishments reflect the city’s steadfast commitment since 2021 to fostering small and medium-sized enterprises and accelerating technological progress, culminating in the highest number of CES awards in its history.
○ Busan has conducted tailored, targeted efforts: ▲ global strategy presentations, ▲ one-on-one consultations, and ▲ English marketing video production. In 2025, a buyer-matching scheme was rolled out to help award-winning corporations translate their breakthroughs into commercial success abroad.
* CES Innovation Awards results: (2026) 12, (2025) 7, (2024) 1, (2023) 2, (2022) 1
○ Importantly, the accolades of Crosshub and STUDIO LAB carry notable weight as they represent the outcomes of Busan’s long-term policies to promote the blockchain and robotics fields.
○ Founded in May 2024, Crosshub is a blockchain-based, next-generation identification and global payment solution provider and is rapidly evolving into a leading fintech player.
○ STUDIO LAB, backed by Busan Metropolitan City and the Korea Institute of Robotics & Technology Convergence (Director: Kang Gi-won), opened its Busan research office and executed the GENCY STUDIO demonstration at Busan Station in 2024.
*GENCY STUDIO: An intelligent, unmanned filming apparatus that combines MR and VFX virtual screens, AI-integrated filming robots, and treadmill technology—detecting users’ movements in real time to automatically deliver optimal camera angles and shooting setups
□ Working with municipal-funded entities and schools, Busan facilitates cutting-edge small businesses and start-ups to engage in CES 2026, capacity-building workshops, IR briefings, and global networking meetups.
○ Partners include: ▲ Busan Economic Promotion Agency, ▲ Busan IT Industry Promotion Agency, ▲ Busan Technopark, ▲ Busan Startup Investment Agency, ▲ Busan Industry University Convergence Agency, and ▲ Busan RISE Innovation Institute (with six local colleges).
○ This year, six colleges are involved in the Busan RISE project—Kyungsung University, Pukyong National University, Dong-A University, Dong-Eui University, Korea Maritime & Ocean University, and Pusan National University—pioneering a new model for municipality-industry-academia collaboration.
□ Busan will coordinate 30 booths for CES 2026 in January, the largest scale in its participation to date, and actively work to promote 28 companies.
<Busan Pavilion Exhibitors>
▲ Korea LFP, ▲ CIT, ▲ LEESOL, ▲ Iqoocca, ▲ MarinaChain, ▲ Newrizon, ▲ ILJOO GnS, ▲ DataFlare, ▲ Funble, ▲ Twohands Interactive, ▲ SIGNLAB, ▲ JJ&Companies, ▲ Schaffengott, ▲ Tiger A.I., ▲ SLASH B SLASH, ▲ Total Soft Bank, ▲ KOAI, ▲ doubleO, ▲ O2 Lab, ▲ VISION TECH, ▲ Busan Digital Asset Nexus, ▲ Marine Drone Technology, ▲ Unis, ▲ Kristin Company, ▲ JENLiFE, ▲ Heart Saver, ▲ NF, and ▲ IBZ
□ Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping innovation across sectors, we are proud that Busan companies are being acknowledged for their technological excellence and creativity on the global stage. We will continue cultivating an AI and high-tech-driven ecosystem, so that local firms can strengthen their competitiveness—not only within Korea, but also worldwide.”
