On the 4th of this month, the National Institute of Toxicological Research (KIT) was honored with a Presidential Award during the ‘2025 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Technology and Management Innovation Awards Ceremony’ held by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. This prestigious recognition is awarded to institutions that have achieved remarkable outcomes in supporting technology development, addressing technical challenges, and enhancing collaboration between academia and industry within the realm of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
As the only government-funded research institute dedicated to non-clinical trials in the biopharmaceutical sector in South Korea, KIT has made significant strides since the establishment of the Biohealth Innovation Growth Support Center in 2020. This center focuses on supporting SMEs in technology and management innovation. Each year, KIT has been successful in aiding over 40 research and development (R&D) projects for SMEs, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation within the industry.
Moreover, the institute has developed a unique ‘Integrated R&D and Commercialization Support Platform’ which streamlines government-supported R&D planning, collaborative research, commercialization assistance, and corporate growth consulting all under one roof. This platform has demonstrated continuous success, facilitating technological transfers, initial public offerings (IPOs), and expansion into global markets. The integration of internal infrastructure and the collaboration with top-tier technology and management experts from the biopharmaceutical sector have led to the establishment of a new model of ‘open collaboration’ that is gaining recognition in the field.
In light of this achievement, Dr. Heo Jeong-Doo, the Director of KIT, expressed his thoughts, stating, “Unlike many research institutes that primarily focus on R&D support for small and medium-sized businesses, KIT differentiates itself by driving tangible results through support for technology transfer and investment attraction aimed at global commercialization.” This salient aspect sets KIT apart in its mission to empower SMEs.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups annually selects and awards institutions and individuals that lead innovations in seven key areas: technological innovation, management innovation, quality innovation, technological cooperation, talent development, technology protection, and manufacturing innovation. The recognition of KIT in the technology cooperation category underscores the vital role that well-established research institutions play in the innovation ecosystem, particularly in supporting the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises.
As the landscape of small businesses continues to evolve, the significance of organizations like KIT becomes increasingly apparent. Their efforts not only contribute to the advancement of technology but also bolster the economic fabric of the nation by enabling SMEs to thrive in a competitive global marketplace. This award serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the individuals at KIT, who continue to push the boundaries of innovation and support for small businesses in South Korea.
[관련기사] https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/014/0005402169?sid=105
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