Korean SMEs Shine at CES, Where Global Tech Companies Compete

81% of Korean Companies Winning CES Innovation Awards This Year Are SMEs
137 Firms Recognized... Surpassing Last Year's Final Count

The smart headphones "Perisphere," developed by Geeksoft, are consistently described as the world's first of their kind. This is because they are the first to add visual functions to headphones, which have been audio-centric devices for over 100 years since their inception in 1910. These headphones connect wirelessly to smartphones, allowing users to listen to music, watch videos, and record 3D footage from the user's perspective.

Geeksoft's effort to transform headphones from mere music-listening devices into a content platform for observing and sharing daily life was recognized at CES 2026, the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition, with the "Best of Innovation" award. This award, given to less than 1% of participating companies, was won by a Korean small and medium-sized enterprise (SME).

The performance of "K-SMEs" is standing out at CES, where technology companies from around the world compete. A total of 137 Korean SMEs have secured innovation awards, heating up Las Vegas, the host city of the exhibition. More than 80% of the Korean companies receiving innovation awards this year are SMEs. CES 2026 will be held from January 6 to 9, local time.

According to the first round of results for this year's CES Innovation Awards, identified by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups on January 2, 168 out of 284 total award-winning companies are Korean. Of these, 137 are SMEs, accounting for 81% of Korean winners. Last year, 127 Korean SMEs were recognized with innovation awards by the end of CES. This means that, even from the first round, more Korean SMEs have already achieved this distinction compared to last year.

As additional winners will be announced until the end of CES, the number of "K-SMEs" receiving innovation awards is expected to increase further. This year, competition was fiercer than ever, with more than 3,600 products submitted for the innovation awards. Despite this, Korean SMEs have once again demonstrated their global technological competitiveness on the international stage.

This marks the third consecutive year that Korea has produced the highest number of innovation award winners. Based on the first round of results, Korea led with 168 award-winning companies, followed by the United States with 54, China with 34, and Taiwan with 13. Notably, Korea also excelled in this year’s core theme of artificial intelligence (AI). Among the innovation award categories, AI accounted for 28 awards, the largest share. Furthermore, Korean companies won three "Best of Innovation" awards in the AI category, which are given to the companies with the highest scores in that field.

Meanwhile, at this year’s CES, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy are collaborating across government agencies to establish the largest-ever Korean Pavilion. Centered around the "K-Startup Pavilion" by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the "Integrated Korea Pavilion" by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, 38 organizations and 470 companies will unify booth design, logos, and more. Through this, they aim to enhance "Korea Premium" marketing and boost export marketing effectiveness for participating domestic companies. For companies participating in the Integrated Korea Pavilion, business networking opportunities with global firms such as Walmart and Intel will be provided through local expert seminars, technology demonstrations, and the K-Innovation Pitching Challenge.

Han Seong-sook, Minister of SMEs and Startups, stated, "With our venture and startup companies achieving outstanding results at CES 2026, Korea has demonstrated to the world its technological capabilities to lead future markets. The government will continue to support innovative companies so they can use CES as a springboard to expand globally."