Airbus has opened a new Airbus Tech Hub in Daejeon, strengthening South Korea’s position as a key technology partner. The center will lead joint research in future energy systems, advanced lightweight materials, and next-generation defence and space technologies, areas where Korea has strong industrial capabilities. The project is being developed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) and Daejeon City.
Mark Bentall, head of R&T program at Airbus, said the new hub reflects Airbus’s deepening commitment after 50 years of partnership with Korea. He highlighted Daejeon’s concentration of top research institutes and talent, calling it the ideal location for accelerating advanced aerospace technologies.
During the launch, Airbus signed three memoranda of understanding to jump-start research efforts. The agreement with MOTIR sets a framework to rapidly initiate innovation projects in Daejeon. The partnership with Daejeon City outlines support for Airbus-led research across the local technology landscape. The MoU with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) allows Airbus to use KITA’s open innovation platform to identify new Korean technology partners.
Airbus also introduced its first collaboration projects under the new hub. It is partnering with LIG Nex1 to develop space chip antenna technology for advanced communications, and working with EMCoretech on active filtering technology required for electrification applications. The hub is expected to serve as a major base for developing technologies that will shape the future of aviation and space.
