​Instruct.KR x Exa: AI Search Technology Meetup in Seoul is a community meetup for researchers, engineers, and builders interested in Search, Information Retrieval, RAG, AI-native search, and Retrieval Infrastructure for AI agents.

​This meetup began with Max Buckley from Exa visiting Seoul for ICML 2026. Exa is building search infrastructure for AI agents, and Max will share perspectives on AI-native search, vibe coding at the frontier, search and information retrieval research, and how retrieval is evolving in modern AI systems.

​Beyond a single invited talk, we hope this meetup becomes a gathering point for the search and AI community around ICML 2026 in Seoul. We aim to bring together ML/AI researchers, retrieval engineers, RAG builders, startup teams, and open-source contributors to discuss the present and future of search technology.

​The entire event will be conducted in English.

​Hosted by: Instruct.KR
Sponsored by: Exa, Sionic AI

​👥 Who Should Join

​This event is for people interested in:

​• Search and information retrieval research
• RAG, AI agents, search APIs, and web search systems
• Dense retrieval, sparse retrieval, reranking, indexing, vector databases, and hybrid search
• Production retrieval systems and AI infrastructure
• Meeting the AI/ML community in Seoul around ICML 2026
• Learning more about Exa and the future of AI-native search
• Sharing search, RAG, or agent-related research and projects with the community

​🗓️ Programs

​🧠 Topics of Interest

​We welcome talks and discussions on:

​• Search and information retrieval research
• AI-native search systems
• Dense, sparse, and hybrid retrieval
• RAG pipelines and production retrieval systems
• Rerankers, indexing, evaluation, and retrieval latency
• Web search APIs and search infrastructure for AI agents
• Agent memory, tool use, and long-context retrieval
• Vibe coding and frontier AI development workflows
• ICML 2026 accepted or related research previews
• Career paths across research, engineering, startups, and open-source

​🍔 Food & Beverages

​Since doors open at lunchtime (12:00 PM), complimentary burgers, assorted snacks, and various beverages (including zero-sugar options, sparkling water, and coffee) will be provided. Come hungry, grab a bite, and enjoy the sessions and networking!

​Whether you are a Information Retrieval researcher, AI engineer, RAG builder, startup founder, open-source contributor, or simply curious about the future of search, we would love to have you join us in Seoul!

​🚨 Please Note

​Due to an overwhelming registration, we have reached full capacity and are currently operating on a waitlist. If you can no longer attend, please kindly cancel your ticket to allow others to join.