• Joint collaboration on BCI development and access to GMP-certified research facilities
• Partnership supports Korea’s “K-Moonshot” initiative by combining DGIST’s biomedical engineering expertise with Ybrain’s neurotechnology
- Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST, President Kunwoo Lee) announced on June 2 that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ybrain (CEO Kiwon Lee) to jointly develop next-generation Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) technology and strengthen research infrastructure in the fields of brain science and neuroscience.
- The agreement aims to expand Korea’s research and validation base for the BCI industry while securing global competitiveness in future advanced technologies. Ybrain, a leading domestic company in electroceuticals, plans to broaden its research scope into the next-generation brain science and neuroengineering fields, including BCI, through this collaboration.
- To ensure tangible outcomes, the two institutions will pursue initiatives such as
- joint research in BCI and securing core technologies,
- shared use of DGIST’s advanced biomedical engineering infrastructure and Good Manufacturing Practice-certified facilities, and
- building an industry–academia collaboration system to secure globally competitive technologies.
- This partnership is particularly significant as it combines DGIST’s technological expertise and interdisciplinary research infrastructure with Ybrain’s capabilities in medical device commercialization, establishing a full-cycle cooperative framework from research and development to validation and commercialization of BCI technology. BCI is a next-generation interface technology that interprets brain signals or stimulates the brain to directly connect with external devices. It is expected to expand into diverse future industries such as medicine, rehabilitation, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
- Furthermore, since the Korean government has designated BCI as one of the key missions of its “K-Moonshot” project for breakthrough technological innovation, the two institutions plan to contribute to the development of national strategic technologies and strengthen the domestic ecosystem of neuroscience and neuroengineering through this agreement.
- DGIST President Kunwoo Lee stated, “Building on DGIST’s world-class biomedical engineering research capabilities and advanced infrastructure, this agreement will further strengthen Korea’s foundation for BCI research. Through close collaboration with Ybrain, we will take the lead in securing breakthrough national technologies and fostering an advanced bio and neuroscience ecosystem.”
- Ybrain CEO Kiwon Lee remarked, “This collaboration with DGIST marks an important turning point that goes beyond the growth of a single company. By combining DGIST’s cutting-edge research infrastructure with private-sector technology, we will broaden the horizons of Korea’s BCI industry. We are committed to contributing to the national ‘K-Moonshot’ project and leading global technology standards so that Korea can stand at the center of the world brain science market.”
- Meanwhile, DGIST announced that it will continue to expand research infrastructure in promising future technology fields such as BCI, advanced biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and robotics, based on industry–academia research collaboration, while strengthening efforts to secure national strategic technologies and enhance global research competitiveness.
