The number of research institute corporations established based on domestic public research has surpassed the milestone of 2,000, marking a significant achievement in South Korea’s efforts to commercialize public research.
The Ministry of Science and ICT announced that ‘DeepEye,’ a company founded with technologies from Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Corporation, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, was registered as the 2,000th research institute corporation on December 27.
Research institute corporations are entities established within research and development special zones, leveraging technologies from government-funded research institutes, specialized production technology research organizations, universities, and other public institutions. This model enables public research institutions to contribute technology and participate as shareholders, leading to the commercialization of innovations.
Since the establishment of the first research institute corporation, Kolmar BNH, in 2006, the sector has seen exponential growth. The number surpassed 1,000 in 2017, and this year’s registration of the 2,000th corporation underscores the rapid expansion of these enterprises. Currently, research institute corporations play a pivotal role in driving South Korea’s technology industry across 19 research and development special zones nationwide.
DeepEye’s groundbreaking non-destructive testing technology based on artificial intelligence (AI) sets it apart. The company’s innovation combines UNIST’s AI expertise with non-destructive testing detection technology from the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, further enhanced by Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Corporation’s comprehensive databases. DeepEye achieved a significant milestone by securing certification from the US Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) for AI-based non-destructive inspection. This recognition positions the company to export its technology to global nuclear power operators, tapping into the non-destructive nuclear inspection market, which is estimated to be worth approximately 7 trillion won.
Minister Yoo Sang-im remarked, “Achieving the milestone of 2,000 research institute corporations is an outstanding achievement through the co-growth of national research and development (R&D) and regional technology commercialization.” He added, “We will continue to foster research institute corporations that lead the future centered on national strategic technologies and contribute to realizing a science and technology powerhouse.”
With its recognition as the 2,000th research institute corporation, DeepEye represents the culmination of South Korea’s efforts to integrate cutting-edge research with industry, driving advancements in AI and nuclear safety on a global scale.
Reference: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-science/2024/12/27/IOUNLLEQJNCKFPRJ4ZURUIJT44/
