[Edaily Reporter Kim Eung-tae] Cosmetics ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) company #Cosmax announced on the 9th that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Catholic University of Korea to cultivate specialized talent in cosmeceutical and beauty artificial intelligence (AI).

Through this agreement, the two institutions plan to jointly conduct convergence research that bridges the boundaries between cosmetics, medicine, and biotechnology, and to establish a system for fostering future-oriented talent. Specifically, they will join forces in the following areas: △ strengthening industry-academia cooperation through joint research and the launch of specialized educational programs; △ commercializing medical-based technologies and pursuing joint projects in collaboration with the Industry-Academia Cooperation Foundation; △ establishing a research and development cooperation framework and facilitating personnel exchanges between the two institutions; △ supporting the exchange of information and the mutual use of facilities and equipment; and △ providing scholarships and research funding.
Cosmax views the “cosmedical” sector—which expands the intersection of cosmetics, healthcare, and biotechnology—as a future growth engine. The company is focusing on the development of functional products based on dermatological science, AI-powered personalized solutions, and research into advanced biomaterials. Recently, it has embarked on the development of an AI-based skin diagnosis platform and has also introduced AI into its color cosmetics manufacturing processes.
Cosmax expects that combining Catholic University’s research capabilities and medical expertise with its own global technological prowess will generate tangible research outcomes and commercialization models in the fields of cosmeceuticals and beauty AI. A Cosmax official stated, “The two institutions plan to gradually expand their comprehensive collaboration encompassing K-Beauty and K-Medical,” adding, “We will cultivate convergent talent ready for immediate application in the industry and establish a virtuous cycle of cooperation that spans from R&D to validation and commercialization.”
Lee Kyung-soo, Chairman of the Cosmax Group, emphasized, “The convergence of Catholic University’s excellent educational and research infrastructure with Cosmax’s global technological capabilities will serve as a valuable opportunity to elevate K-Beauty to a premium level and drive a qualitative leap forward for South Korea’s medical, bio, and beauty industries as a whole.”
Choi Jun-kyu, President of The Catholic University of Korea, said, “Based on Cosmax’s generous support for scholarships and research funding, we will do our utmost to cultivate interdisciplinary talent capable of driving innovation by actively utilizing our excellent infrastructure.”