POHANG — The International Battery Expo 2026 officially kicked off on November 13 at the Pohang Manindan Arena, drawing significant attention from industry leaders, local residents, and tech enthusiasts alike. Running for three days through November 15, the major regional event features 53 companies and organizations operating a combined total of 131 exhibition booths.

Now in its second year, the expo revolves around the theme "Charging Everyday Life, Moving Toward the Future." The event is designed to showcase cutting-edge battery technologies and demonstrate their practical applications to the general public.

Major regional secondary battery giants, including EcoPro and POSCO Future M, take center stage by exhibiting core materials such as cathode and anode components, advanced manufacturing and evaluation technologies, and recycling solutions for used batteries. Beyond traditional electric vehicle applications, the exhibition breadth extends into diverse sectors like Energy Storage Systems (ESS), electric-powered marine vessels, and robotics.

Visitors can also engage in a variety of hands-on activities. The indoor experience zone offers VR and AR safety simulations, battery-themed interactive games, children's electric vehicle driving experiences, and robotics displays curated by popular science creators. Meanwhile, the outdoor area features electric vehicle test-drives alongside eco-friendly mobility options such as hydrogen and electric buses.

Educational and networking programs form another key pillar of the three-day event. On opening day, prominent science communicator Gwedo delivered a keynote lecture on the transformations anticipated from next-generation batteries, followed by a talk on investment and innovation by EcoPro Partners Executive Managing Director Kwon Oh-seok. Additional sessions featuring academic and creator collaborations are scheduled to follow.

To foster economic growth and employment, the expo hosts business-to-business investment consultations and networking events aimed at helping local enterprises expand their market reach. Furthermore, a career counseling fair linked with the regional battery academy provides local youths with guidance and pathways into the burgeoning battery industry.

Provincial officials emphasized that the event aims to highlight Gyeongbuk and Pohang's achievements as a growing hub for the secondary battery sector while actively supporting market expansion and investment attraction for local companies.

During the opening ceremony attended by roughly 500 industry figures, municipal officials, and citizens, representatives highlighted batteries as a core driving force opening new horizons for advanced industries, ranging from EVs to autonomous driving and robotics. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering the global competitiveness of the region's secondary battery ecosystem moving forward.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]