UNIST has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Research and Business Development Foundation at Pusan National University (PNU) to strengthen the foundation for deep-tech entrepreneurship in Korea’s southeastern region.
The agreement, concluded on October 17, marks UNIST’s fourth partnership with major universities in the region—following earlier collaborations with Gyeongsang National University (GNU) and Pukyong National University (PKNU) in August, and the University of Ulsan in September.
Through this partnership, the two institutions will work closely to invigorate the regional deep-tech startup ecosystem by promoting practical collaboration and expanding the impact of industry-academia cooperation.
The MOU outlines specific initiatives, such as sharing infrastructure for field-based, hands-on education, identifying and nurturing promising entrepreneurs, and establishing a cooperative framework to support the growth of regional startups.
A major focus of the agreement is practical, demand-driven training that leverages UNIST’s strengths and Ulsan’s industrial landscape. These programs will help aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage startups gain on-site experience, better understand industry needs, and develop technologies based on a Market-to-Tech strategy—where market demand drives innovation.
Startup support will span the entire entrepreneurial journey, from talent discovery and incubation to commercialization. UNIST and PNU plan to provide access to key networks, mentoring opportunities, and funding connections to help startups scale and succeed.
Going forward, the two institutions will continue their collaboration through regular meetings, joint research projects, and talent exchange programs, fostering an organically linked ecosystem for deep-tech innovation in the southeastern region of Korea.
“This agreement brings us one step closer to establishing UNIST as a leading hub for deep-tech startups in the southeastern region of Korea,” said Director Youngsik Kim of the UNIST Office of Industry–University Cooperation. “Through close collaboration between our institutions, we aim to deliver tangible results in regional industry development and talent cultivation.”
The signing ceremony was attended by Director Youngsik Kim, Team Leader Minuk Kang of the UNIST Startup Support Team, Team Leader Junyong Jang of the Enterprise Promotion Team, and Team Leader Jeongmin Jeon of the Industrial Planning Team, along with Director Jung Eun Kang of the PNU Research and Business Development Foundation, Director Jin Woo Oh of the PNU Industry Cooperation Planning Department, Department Head Dongyun Lee of Nanoenergy Engineering at PNU, and key officials from PNU.
