South Korea to host World Bio Summit on AI-driven healthcare innovation

South Korea will host the 2026 World Bio Summit in Seoul on 21–22 October, bringing together government officials, healthcare professionals and industry representatives to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare and the biohealth sector.

The summit, co-hosted by the South Korean government and the World Health Organization (WHO), will take place at the COEX Magok Convention Center. It is being organised by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) under the theme “Expanding Biohealth Innovation Through AI”.

The event will run alongside the 49th World Hospital Congress, organised by the International Hospital Federation from 20–22 October at the same venue.

A key outcome of the summit will be the announcement of the Seoul Declaration on AI in Healthcare for Responsible Innovation and Global Solidarity. The declaration is expected to address the responsible use of AI in healthcare, the need for appropriate safeguards and efforts to ensure that the benefits of AI-driven innovation are accessible across countries and populations.

The programme will open with a Leaders’ Dialogue featuring international leaders and experts discussing AI’s impact across the biohealth lifecycle, approaches to safe and responsible deployment, and strategies for sustainable investment.

The main programme will be organised around three themes: “New Science”, examining AI’s potential to advance healthcare; “New Value”, focusing on changes to the biohealth industry’s value chain and clinical practice; and “New Finance”, exploring funding strategies and international partnerships to support innovation.

Participants are expected to include health ministers and vice ministers, representatives of international organisations and non-governmental organisations, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs working in AI and biohealth.

South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare said the summit would provide a forum for international discussion on AI-driven healthcare innovation, with an emphasis on protecting human life and ensuring that advances benefit populations equitably.

Registration is free and available through the official World Bio Summit website.