Canadian Physical AI R&D Partnering Delegation to South Korea

Global Affairs Canada (GAC), through the Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Korea invites you to apply  to participate in the Canadian Physical AI Research and Development (R&D) Partnering Delegation to South Korea. This initiative is delivered under the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP). The Partnership Development Activity (PDA) will take place in-person from November 2 to 5, 2026, in Seoul, South Korea. 

Interested companies must apply no later than  June 30, 2026.

The objective of the delegation is to facilitate industrial research and development collaboration between Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) active in physical AI and South Korean organizations. The delegation will support  the development of the following technologies: 

• robotics and autonomous systems software, including sensing, perception, and control  
• AI models and software for physical systems, including embodied and agentic AI 
• AI-enabled manufacturing, automation, and system integration solutions 

Examples of co-innovation collaboration include:

• validation of Canadian technology in the South Korean market 
• adaptation of Canadian technology solutions to meet Korean industry needs 
• joint development of new products and/or services combining Canadian and South Korean technologies

Canadian companies applying to take part in the delegation should meet the following requirements: 

• be profit-oriented, SMEs incorporated in Canada 
• have previous experience in commercializing technology for domestic and/or international markets 
• have the capacity and interest to co-develop technology with South Korean partners 
• be committed to expanding activities in the  South Korean market 
• have sufficient working capital and human resources to undertake a multi-year co-innovation project and commercialize the results 

Date: November 2 to 5, 2025

• Pre-departure briefing covering:
  • Korea’s physical AI ecosystem 
  • doing business in Korea 
  • program overview  
• Pre-arranged one-on-one business-to-business (B2B) meetings with: 
  • Korean manufacturing/robotics/automation companies 
  • system integrators 
  • research institutes and innovation centres 
  • venture capitals and other innovation players 
• Networking opportunities with Korean physical AI ecosystem players 
• Site visits to Korean companies and/or research centres in robotics and advanced manufacturing 
• Participation in RobotWorld 2026, Korea's leading robotics exhibition, including a Canadian booth presence and speaking opportunities at the conference program 

South Korea is one of the world’s most advanced and dynamic markets for physical AI adoption. Manufacturing accounts for approximately 25% of the country’s GDP, one of the highest shares among OECD economies. The sector includes globally competitive industries such as semiconductors, automotive, shipbuilding, electronics, and batteries. 

Driven by labour shortages, productivity pressures, and rapid population aging, Korean manufacturers are accelerating investments in robotics, automation, and AI-enabled manufacturing. South Korea ranks 4th globally in manufacturing robot market share and 1st globally in robot density. The country’s robotics and automation market was valued at approximately $10 billion in 2024. 

Korea’s largest conglomerates are also making significant long-term investments in physical AI technologies: 

• Samsung is expanding its investment in robotics to accelerate humanoid robot development  
• Hyundai aims to deploy 30,000 industrial robots annually by 2028  
• LG CNS is scaling AI-enabled robotics solutions, with multiple proof-of-concept projects underway across key industrial sectors

Despite strong capabilities in hardware and system integration, Korea remains heavily dependent on foreign suppliers for core robotics components and software, with domestic localization rates estimated at approximately 40%. While Korean firms excel in manufacturing and hardware integration, there is significant demand for:  

• advanced AI models 
• sensing technologies 
• control enabling true autonomy and intelligence in industrial environments.  

These gaps create clear and timely opportunities for Canadian companies with specialized expertise.  

Canada is well positioned to support Korea’s physical AI transition through its strengths in: 

• advanced sensing technologies  
• AI-enabled automation software  
• embodied and agentic AI systems  
• robotics software and autonomous systems 

The Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) may provide financial support to eligible Canadian SMEs for up to 50% of eligible expenses that include, but are not limited to the following: 

• economy class airfare 
• local transportation 
• accommodation 
• per diem 
• conference registration fees 

1. Click the “Apply" button to access the online application form. Select the official language of your choice and the delegation you want to apply to, then complete all questions.
2. Completed applications must be submitted online no later than June 30, 2026. 
3. Global Affairs Canada, through the Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Korea will select the Canadian companies that will participate in the delegation. Selected applicants will be notified by  July 7.
4. Selected companies will be invited to apply for financial support for travel expenses.