IFA Berlin (Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin), the world's largest home and consumer technology trade fair, reaffirmed its close cooperative relationship with Korean technology partners in Seoul and further solidified its position as a venue for global innovation exchange.

Leif Lindner, CEO of IFA Management GmbH, the organizer of IFA, held a press conference at the Conrad Seoul on the 2nd and revealed a new direction and vision ahead of the IFA 2026 event.

CEO Leib Lindner announced that next year's IFA 2026 event plans to strengthen its role as a bridge connecting Asia and Europe by emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and global networking as core values.

The South Korean economy, which struggled with global trade tensions and political uncertainty in the first half of 2025, entered a recovery phase in the second half.

Growth prospects are improving as domestic economic stabilization, diversification of export destinations, and a semiconductor boom converge, and the Bank of Korea has raised its GDP growth forecast from the previous 0.8% to 0.9%. It was adjusted upward to the level.

Amidst this economic recovery, IFA recognizes Korea as a key innovation hub in Asia and is expanding strategic partnerships with manufacturers, brands, and media.

This is highly significant in that it provides a global platform for Korean companies to showcase innovative products to the world market and accelerate their entry into the European market.

CEO Leif Lindner emphasized, “Korea is an unrivaled nation in terms of technological precision, innovation, and quality,” adding, “IFA aims to serve as a bridge connecting Asia and Europe, providing a platform for brands, startups, and consumers to communicate on equal footing.”

In addition, it was stated, “The 2026 IFA is set to provide Korean companies with various opportunities, including enhancing international brand awareness, securing direct touchpoints with consumers and distributors, and offering insights into European technology trends,” adding that “it is expected to establish itself as the optimal platform for laying the foundation for the international growth of Korean brands through exchanges with global media, investors, and strategic partners.”

IFA 2025, held this year, once again proved its status as the world's largest consumer and home electronics trade show with 220,000 visitors from 140 countries and 1,900 companies from 49 countries participating. The number of visitors and participating companies increased by 5% compared to the previous year, attracting the attention of the global industry.

In particular, it recorded remarkable growth in future-oriented fields such as computing, gaming, content creation, digital health, beauty tech, and smart homes.

IFA Sommergarten, a representative outdoor event, expanded the cultural influence of the expo by gaining a great response from Gen Z and Gen Alpha through live concerts, podcasts, and opening performances.

In addition, more than 4,400 journalists and content creators participated, recording a total media reach of over 301 billion, 54% of which occurred in international markets, proving its global impact.

IFA Next, IFA’s startup, research, and innovation platform, attracted 260 exhibitors from 28 countries this year and showcased leading technologies and solutions in the fields of AI, IoT, smart living, and sustainability.

In addition, through the IFA Innovation Awards, products possessing both technological excellence and social value were selected, delivering a powerful message to the outside world about the innovative capabilities of participating companies.

CEO Leif Lindner stated, “The upcoming IFA 2026 will be held in Berlin, Germany, from September 4 to 8, 2026. With a history spanning over 100 years, IFA will establish itself as a venue where global technology leaders, innovators, and industry experts gather to collectively shape the future of the consumer electronics industry.”