[E-Daily Reporter Kwon Oh Seok ] #SGHEALTHCARE CO.,LTD., a company specializing in medical imaging diagnostics, and MEKICS Co.,Ltd., a provider of comprehensive respiratory therapy solutions, are embarking on a joint research and development project to significantly improve the limitations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in intensive care unit (ICU) settings.

The two companies announced on the 7th that they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the 4th for joint R&D and business cooperation on a “Smart ICU MRI Solution.” They agreed to jointly develop an integrated solution that combines SGHEALTHCARE CO.,LTD.’s AI (artificial intelligence)-based image restoration and ultra-low-field MRI technology with MEKICS Co.,Ltd.’s patient monitoring and ventilator technology, enabling continuous monitoring of patient conditions while performing MRI scans even in an ICU setting.
SGHEALTHCARE CO.,LTD. owns “AriaMR,” an AI image restoration solution jointly developed with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) through its subsidiary, Mint Labs. AriaMR is a next-generation solution that utilizes deep learning algorithms to reduce MRI scan times to approximately one-fourth of conventional levels while effectively removing image noise to produce high-resolution images.
SGHEALTHCARE CO.,LTD. has been developing an ultra-low-field MRI incorporating AriaMR since 2024 and is currently nearing the completion of development and commercialization. Ultra-low-field MRI is considered highly versatile in environments with limited MRI access—such as emergency rooms and intensive care units—as it is relatively easier to transport and install compared to conventional high-field MRI systems.
MEKICS Co.,Ltd. is a company that has led the localization of ventilators based on its proprietary research and development (R&D) capabilities. It supplies respiratory therapy products and services to over 80 countries worldwide and is building a comprehensive solution covering the entire spectrum of care, from the treatment of critically ill patients to routine respiratory management. In particular, the company has strengthened its technological competitiveness in patient monitoring and respiratory therapy based on its lineup of advanced respiratory therapy products and iA, Inc.'s hypoxia prediction technology.
The two companies plan to combine their core competencies to develop next-generation integrated solutions for ICU patients. Furthermore, they have agreed to explore various forms of collaboration—including mutual strategic equity investments—to evolve this technology partnership into a long-term strategic alliance.
SGHEALTHCARE CO.,LTD. emphasized, “Based on the core technologies possessed by both companies, we will jointly develop a smart ICU MRI solution to revolutionize MRI accessibility in intensive care units and emergency medical settings,” adding, “We will expand our business scope into the fields of medical imaging and integrated critical care management to actively pioneer new markets targeting domestic and international medical institutions.”