[E-Daily Reporter Kim Hyun-ah ] The government is launching an initiative to nurture young researchers who will lead the way in national strategic technology fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced biotechnology, semiconductors, and rechargeable batteries. Research teams from major universities—including Seoul National University, Sungkyunkwan University, Kyungpook National University, and Kyung Hee University—will partner with companies to conduct joint research, while also providing postdoctoral researchers with a stable research environment and support for their transition into the industry.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it has finalized the selection of 13 new consortia for the “2026 Strategic Technology Postdoctoral Researcher Industry-Academia Project” and will begin full-scale implementation of joint research on national strategic technologies.

This initiative is an industry-academia-research collaboration in which companies identify their technology needs, and universities, government-funded research institutes, and companies form consortia to conduct joint research. Postdoctoral researchers, affiliated with universities or government-funded research institutes, will play a central role in the research and conduct their work in a stable research environment.

The selected consortia will receive up to 580 million won over two years, including funding for postdoctoral researchers’ salaries. Additionally, the ministry plans to operate an “Industry-Academia-Research One Team Council” to support the sharing of results among consortia and the commercialization of research outcomes, thereby facilitating the dissemination of research results to the industrial sector.

Launched for the first time this year, the program attracted a total of 65 consortium applications, resulting in a competition ratio of 5 to 1, reflecting strong interest from the research community.

Seoul National University, Sungkyunkwan University, Kyung Hee University, and Others Begin Research on Strategic Technologies

The 13 selected consortia will conduct joint research in 12 key national strategic technology fields, including AI, advanced biotechnology, semiconductors and displays, rechargeable batteries, next-generation communications, aerospace and marine technology, and hydrogen.

Among the key projects, Kyung Hee University andKAON Group(078890)will develop AI-based next-generation ultra-high-efficiency media compression technology. Seoul National University andDT&CRO CO., Ltd.(383930)will develop a platform to predict the efficacy and toxicity of anticancer drugs using AI and multi-organ-on-a-chip technology, while Chung-Ang University and #GenPure will develop a personalized digital healthcare platform based on AI and nano-convergence skin-mimicking chips.

In the advanced biotechnology sector, Sungkyunkwan University-#Dusel is pursuing CRISPR-based mass production technology for artificial platelets, while Ewha Womans University-Chabiotech Co.,Ltd.(085660)is developing a stem cell-based treatment for peritoneal fibrosis.

In the semiconductor sector, Kyungpook National University andOPTICIS CO., LTD.(109080)are developing optical connectors for next-generation displays, while Korea National University of Transportation and #CNT Solution are researching functional separator technology for lithium-sulfur batteries.

In addition, Kwangwoon University and #Samjeong Solution are developing an AI-based non-cooperative drone (UAV) detection system, while Konkuk University and #Corens RTX are working on the development of AI-based hydrogen catalyst materials.

Connecting Young Researchers and Companies… Building an Industry-Academia Collaboration Model

The Ministry of Science and ICT expects this project to help establish a stable research foundation for young postdoctoral researchers and facilitate their entry into the industry.

In particular, since universities and companies from regions such as the Chungcheong, Yeongnam, and Gangwon regions—not just the Seoul metropolitan area—were selected evenly, the initiative is expected to contribute to fostering regional research hubs for strategic technologies and revitalizing industry-academia-research collaboration.

Lee Jun-bae, Director General of the Future Talent Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, “The core of this project is to support young postdoctoral researchers so they can gain experience bridging research and industry and grow into key talent for national strategic technologies.” He added, “We will continue to expand the research environment so that young researchers can devote themselves to their work with stability while driving innovation together with companies.”