FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    
March 21, 2025                                 
                                                
Ministry of SMEs and Startups Strengthens Korea-Germany Technology Exchange and Cooperation

SEJONG – A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for technological exchange and cooperation has been signed between the Fraunhofer Society (Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft) institutes and the Korea Technology and Information Promotion Agency for SMEs (TIPA) in Munich, Germany.

The MOU was signed by Johann Feckl, Director and Section Head of Pre-Competitive Research and International Affairs at Fraunhofer, and KIM Young-shin, President of TIPA, in the presence of KIM Sung-sup, Vice Minister of SMEs and Startups.

Through this MOU, the two organizations have agreed to promote joint R&D cooperation in advanced technology fields such as AI, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing to support the global expansion of SMEs and startups. They also plan to expand cooperation in various forms, including technology transfer, personnel exchange, and the establishment of collaborative networks.

Starting from March 17, the Korean delegation will visit the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology (ISIT), two of Fraunhofer's leading research institutes. Discussions will focus on advanced technology transfer in AI logistics robots and DC (direct current) products, as well as joint demonstration R&D, to strengthen partnerships with Korean Global Innovation Special Zones.

Furthermore, to establish a continuous partnership with Fraunhofer, a consultative body consisting of Daegu City, the Daegu Mechatronics & Materials Institute (DMI), and the Global Robot Cluster (GRC) will sign an MOU on AI robot technology cooperation with Fraunhofer IML during this visit. The Green Energy Institute, which operates the Jeonnam DC Industry Global Innovation Special Zone, and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) will also hold joint workshops with Fraunhofer ISIT.

Additionally, the delegation will visit BioM (Biotechnology Cluster Management), which is fostering a global bio innovation ecosystem through a collaborative network among local pharmaceutical and bio startups, research institutions, and investors in Bavaria (Bayern). Discussions will focus on cooperation measures such as open innovation, technology exchange, and joint global expansion between bio startups from both countries. This visit is expected to serve as a benchmark for developing bio global innovation special zones and K-bio lab hubs in Korea in the future.

Vice Minister KIM Sung-sup stated, “This collaboration with Fraunhofer holds significant meaning in expanding our technological cooperation network with Germany and further strengthening the existing partnership.” He added, “Through discussions on bio cluster cooperation between the two countries, we will spare no effort in supporting our SMEs to gain stronger competitiveness in the global market.”