Seoul Biohub has launched the 'Seoul Open Translational Research Platform (STRP)' to connect bio startups with hospitals for collaborative research. The initiative aims to assist startups that possess promising technologies but lack the necessary equipment and clinical pathways to commercialize their innovations.
On November 10, Seoul Biohub held the 'Seoul Bio-Medical Cooperation Governance Launch Ceremony' at its Global Center, where it signed a multi-party memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), and participating hospitals. Seoul Biohub serves as a support hub for bio and medical startups, established by the city of Seoul and jointly operated by KIST and Korea University.
Bio startups often encounter what is known as the 'valley of death' when trying to turn basic research results into marketable products. Even with promising foundational technologies, many struggle to secure advanced research equipment and clinical channels in hospitals, hindering their ability to demonstrate effectiveness. The platform aims to bridge the infrastructure of universities, hospitals, and research institutions in Seoul with these startups. Research institutions will validate technologies, while hospitals will provide clinical research infrastructure, supporting the entire process from technology development to efficacy verification and commercialization. Hospitals and research institutions can identify collaborative research projects based on the startups' promising technologies.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to conduct a pilot project with three startups in 2027, with plans to expand participation to more hospitals and supported companies based on the results. Previously focused on open innovation with pharmaceutical and bio companies, Seoul Biohub is now broadening its support to include collaborative research with hospitals through this platform.
O Sang-rok, president of KIST, stated, "Good technology in the bio field does not immediately translate into effective treatments. KIST will leverage its accumulated research capabilities and operational experience with Seoul Biohub to objectively evaluate the technologies of startups and ensure that collaborative research with hospital researchers leads to tangible verification outcomes."
On November 10, Seoul Biohub held the 'Seoul Bio-Medical Cooperation Governance Launch Ceremony' at its Global Center, where it signed a multi-party memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), and participating hospitals. Seoul Biohub serves as a support hub for bio and medical startups, established by the city of Seoul and jointly operated by KIST and Korea University.
Bio startups often encounter what is known as the 'valley of death' when trying to turn basic research results into marketable products. Even with promising foundational technologies, many struggle to secure advanced research equipment and clinical channels in hospitals, hindering their ability to demonstrate effectiveness. The platform aims to bridge the infrastructure of universities, hospitals, and research institutions in Seoul with these startups. Research institutions will validate technologies, while hospitals will provide clinical research infrastructure, supporting the entire process from technology development to efficacy verification and commercialization. Hospitals and research institutions can identify collaborative research projects based on the startups' promising technologies.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to conduct a pilot project with three startups in 2027, with plans to expand participation to more hospitals and supported companies based on the results. Previously focused on open innovation with pharmaceutical and bio companies, Seoul Biohub is now broadening its support to include collaborative research with hospitals through this platform.
O Sang-rok, president of KIST, stated, "Good technology in the bio field does not immediately translate into effective treatments. KIST will leverage its accumulated research capabilities and operational experience with Seoul Biohub to objectively evaluate the technologies of startups and ensure that collaborative research with hospital researchers leads to tangible verification outcomes."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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