NEW BEGINNING, NEW INSPIRATION
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Pukyong National University Develops Stretchable and Contractible Gelatin-Based Electronic Skin- Research teams led by Professors Kim Yong-hyun and Park Myung-ki … propose potential for AI wearable platforms A gelatin-based hydrogel sensor that is soft like human skin and highly stretchable―with minimal disruption to electrical signals even after repeated stretching and relaxation―has been successfully developed. A research team led by Professor Kim Yong-hyun (Department of Display and Semiconductor Engineering) and Professor Park Myung-ki (Department of Chemistry) at Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) developed this material, which can reliably detect both subtle human movements and larger joint motions. When attached to the skin, the material collects signals that, once analyzed through artificial intelligence (AI), can accurately distinguish different human motions. This positions it as a promising next-generation wearable electronic skin (e-skin) platform. The research team created a soft and elastic base structure resembling human skin by combining gelatin―derived from porcine skin collagen―with glycerol and polyethylene glycol. They then applied a hybrid conductive network composed of silver nanowires (AgNWs) and a conductive polymer (PEDOT:PSS) to achieve high electrical conductivity and durability. To ensure long-term stability in both form and performance, a glutaraldehyde crosslinking process was used to tightly bind the molecular structure. The most notable feature of the resulting hydrogel sensor is its extremely low electrical hysteresis (signal distortion). Typically, when a sensor is stretched and released, the electrical signal can become misaligned, causing inconsistent measurements. However, this material maintains signal distortion under 3.5% even when stretched up to 200%, enabling it to consistently deliver stable signals for the same movement. It also demonstrated excellent durability, retaining performance after more than 1,000 cycles of repeated deformation. Notably, this hydrogel sensor was able to precisely detect not only large body movements―such as finger bending, arm and knee joint motion, walking, and jumping―but also fine physiological signals like pulse, respiration, and facial expression changes when attached to human skin.The research team connected the sensor to a wireless system to transmit data in real time, which was then analyzed using artificial intelligence (AI). As a result, they successfully classified 13 different types of movements with approximately 97.7% accuracy. The research findings were published in the world-renowned journal in the field of chemical engineering,
Pukyong National University Develops Interface Control Technology for Next-Generation All-Solid-State Battery Cathodes- Research by Professor Oh Pil-geon’s Team Published in Chemical Engineering Journal, a Leading Chemistry Journal Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) announced that a research team led by Professor Oh Pil-geon from the Department of Nano Fusion Engineering has developed a new interface control technology for cathodes used in next-generation all-solid-state batteries. The team’s recent study focused on the interface characteristics of single-crystal cathode active material NCM811 for sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries. The research findings were published in the
Pukyong National University Rises in QS Sustainability and THE Interdisciplinary Rankings, Ranked 19th in Korea; Climbs 21 spots globally-Achieves 5th place in Korea for THE Interdisciplinary Science RankingsPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) was ranked 19th in Korea and 519th in the world in the 2026 QS World University Rankings: Sustainability, announced on November 18. The QS Sustainability Rankings evaluate the social and environmental impact of a university’s education and research activities, as well as its level of commitment to social responsibility (such as implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals) in institutional operations. Among the 45 Korean universities evaluated, Pukyong National University placed 19th. Globally, the university ranked 519th out of 2,002 institutions―an improvement from last year’s 540th place among 1,751 institutions―demonstrating the university’s growing capacity in this area. Pukyong National University continues to bolster its international reputation, as reflected in its rising position in major university rankings. In the QS Asia University Rankings released on November 4, PKNU climbed from 299th to 262nd in Asia, and from 32nd to 28th domestically compared to the previous year. Additionally, on November 20, Pukyong National University drew attention by ranking 5th among Korean universities in the 2026 Interdisciplinary Science Rankings, jointly conducted by Times Higher Education (THE) and the Schmidt Science Fellows. This ranking evaluates interdisciplinary research that spans two or more scientific fields. It measures university performance across 11 indicators, including funding, success metrics, facilities, administrative support, and outreach, as well as research output, quality, and reputation. Pukyong National University ranked 5th among Korean universities in the interdisciplinary science rankings, following Sungkyunkwan University, Yonsei University, Kyung Hee University, and DGIST. Globally, it was placed in the 301？350 band. In the overall THE World University Rankings, Pukyong National University ranked 30th in Korea and was placed in the 1,200？1,500 global band. Meanwhile, Pukyong National University continues to strengthen the management and dissemination of its institutional performance and capabilities by systematically responding to various university evaluations, led by its Center for Sustainability and Performance Management.
Pukyong National University Transform Gwangalli-Adjacent Campus into Tourist Attraction- 3.3km Trail Connecting the ‘17 Scenic Spots’ to Be Established Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) is developing a walking trail that links key scenic spots across its campus adjacent to Gwangalli Beach, one of Busan’s top tourist destinations. This initiative aims to transform the university into a local tourism asset for both students and citizens. Pukyong National University announced on the 17th that it has designated 17 scenic spots on campus under the themes of history, nature, academia, and people. A 3.3-kilometer trail will be created to connect these spots, offering a unique campus experience. Pukyong National University’s Daeyeon Campus (located in Daeyeon-dong, Busan) is renowned for its completely flat terrain, making it a popular destination for walking and exercise among local residents. With an elevation of just 3 meters above sea level, it is the second-lowest campus in South Korea and is also famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms. The university even operates a 24-hour live YouTube stream of the campus, further enhancing its accessibility and visibility. The university’s “17 Scenic Spots” include historical landmarks such as Pukyongosaurus, the world’s first dinosaur named in Korean; the Coelacanth, often referred to as a living fossil; Walker House, which served as the temporary headquarters for the U.S. 8th Army during the Korean War; and Baekgyeong Tower, commemorating young pioneers of Korea’s deep-sea fishing industry who were lost at sea. Under the nature theme, notable spots include Baekgyeong Square, a beloved cherry blossom viewing site in spring and autumn; the Ginkgo Tree Path, a fall foliage destination; a quince tree estimated to be over 250 years old; and Drawing in the Air, a sculpture by renowned local artist and alumnus Kwon Dal-sool. Under the theme of notable figures, the trail features PKNU Forest of Honor, which includes commemorative trees planted by distinguished individuals such as alumnus Kim Jae-chul, Honorary Chairman of the Dongwon Group, and honorary doctorate recipients including former presidents of foreign nations. In celebration of its upcoming 80th anniversary next year, Pukyong National University plans to complete installation of informational signboards by the end of this year and officially launch the trail in full of next year. Through this project, PKNU aims to share its campus with the local community, enhance the cityscape and tourism resources, and establish itself as one of the region’s iconic landmarks.
Pukyong National University Research Team Uncovers Mechanism to Enhance Ion Conductivity in Solid Electrolytes-Research by Prof. Jung Sung-chul’s team published in Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)-Study proposes strategy using cation substitution for charge control and improved ion conductivity Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) announced on the 13th that a research study by Professor Jung Sung-chul (Department of Physics) and his team on enhancing ion conductivity in solid electrolytes has been published in an international journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), UK. The research team, led by Professor Jung Sung-chul of Pukyong National University and Dr. Jeon Tae-gon, a postdoctoral researcher from the LAMP Project Group, identified the mechanism behind the significant improvement in ionic conductivity of the argyrodite-type solid electrolyte Li6SbS5I for all-solid-state batteries, achieved through cation substitution. This result is considered a meaningful achievement in the growing field of solid electrolytes, which are being actively explored as safer alternatives to liquid electrolytes prone to fire hazards. Using first-principles calculations, the team discovered that when the cation Sb in the SbS₄ tetrahedron of the Li6SbS5I solid electrolyte is substituted with Si, the Si provides more electrons to the neighboring sulfur anions. These electron-rich sulfur anions then strongly interact with lithium cations passing nearby, drastically lowering the diffusion barrier for lithium ions. As a result, the ionic conductivity of this solid electrolyte increased significantly―from 4.4 × 10-⁴ mS cm-¹ before substitution to 15.4 mS cm-¹ after substitution. This is one of the highest levels ever reported for solid electrolytes used in all-solid-state batteries and is considered by the research team to be competitive with the ionic conductivity of conventional liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries. Professor Jung Sung-chul stated, “This study demonstrates that the strategy of charge modulation―adjusting the charge around lithium-ion diffusion paths through aliovalent cation substitution―is highly effective in enhancing the ionic conductivity of argyrodite-type solid electrolytes.” This research was supported by the Ministry of Education’s LAMP (Leaders in Advanced Materials Platform) program. The findings were published in the prestigious international journal Journal of Materials Chemistry A (Impact Factor: 9.5), issued by the Royal Society of Chemistry, under the title: “Conductivity enhancement of argyrodite Li6SbS5I solid electrolyte via charge modulation around Li diffusion paths through Si substitution.” 〈Pukyong Today〉
대외홍보센터 (2025-11-28)COUNT 40Students Awarded for Creating Alternative ShrimpA team of Food Engineering students from Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has developed an alternative shrimp product using Alaska pollock surimi and won the gold prize at the 2025 Product Development Competition hosted by the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition. The award-winning team, advised by Professor Ahn Dong-hyun, included students Lim Sung-min, Lee Ji-yang, Noh Kyung-seop, Yoo So-jung, Cho Soo-jin, Kang Ji-hye, Lee Soo-hyun, Song Bo-min, Park Na-young, Oh Ye-jun, Lee Jung-joo, Yang Ye-geun, Kim Tae-hoon, Park Ki-tae, and Lee Hyun-ji from the Department of Food Engineering. Their entry, titled “Development of Shrimp Alternative Using Surimi Based on 3D Printing Technology,” was recognized for its innovation at the nationwide competition held recently at BEXCO in Busan. They received high praise for developing an alternative shrimp product made using 3D printing technology with surimi (processed pollock meat) as the main ingredient, replicating the texture and appearance of real shrimp. By adding polysaccharides and shrimp flavoring to the base material, they successfully adjusted the product’s texture and palatability to resemble the taste and mouthfeel of real shrimp. Shrimp is a highly demanded seafood due to its excellent taste and texture. However, a significant portion of shrimp production relies on aquaculture, making it relatively expensive and raising concerns about environmental pollution during the farming process. Additionally, people with shrimp allergies find it difficult to consume. The alternative shrimp developed by students at Pukyong National University was recognized as a product that allows consumers to enjoy the flavor of shrimp safely, sustainably, and at a lower cost. Professor Ahn Dong-hyun, who supervised the team, stated, “As blue foods gain attention as a future food resource, this project proposed a new idea for shrimp products and made a meaningful contribution to the field of sustainable seafood.”
Joint Research with SNU Hospital on Artificial Esophagus Development Pukyong National University (President Sang-hoon Bae) announced that a research team led by Professor Seung Yun Nam in the Department of Biomedical Engineering has developed an integrated biofabrication technology for artificial esophageal reconstruction, in collaboration with Professor Eun-Jae Chung’s team at Seoul National University Hospital. Esophageal reconstruction is typically performed using gastric or colonic segments when the organ is severely damaged by malignancy, corrosive injury, or trauma. However, these autologous conduits often show mismatched mechanical properties, inflammatory reactions, poor tissue integration, and impaired peristaltic motion, frequently leading to postoperative complications. To address these limitations, Professor Seung Yun Nam’s team developed a next-generation biomimetic artificial esophageal scaffold designed to recapitulate the hierarchical structure, mechanical behavior, and functional microenvironment of native esophageal tissue. In this study, the team used electrospinning to fabricate highly elastic and durable polyurethane (PU) nanofibers as the primary structural framework of the scaffold. Additionally, embedded digital light processing (DLP)-based photopolymerization was employed to incorporate silk fibroin methacryloyl (Sil-MA) within the PU nanofiber network, thereby enhancing tensile strength, elastic modulus, and surface hydrophilicity. In a subsequent step, precision extrusion bioprinting was used to laminate a layer of decellularized esophageal extracellular matrix (EdECM) onto the construct, effectively reconstructing a tissue-specific microenvironment analogous to that of the native esophagus. The resulting PU/Sil-MA/EdECM composite scaffold exhibited substantial improvements in both mechanical robustness and biological performance. The structure showed markedly enhanced tensile strength, elasticity, and surface wettability, leading to significantly increased stem cell adhesion, proliferation, and focal adhesion formation. In vitro studies further demonstrated superior smooth muscle and epithelial cell differentiation, critical for restoring esophageal motility. In a rat model with a circumferential esophageal defect, the engineered scaffold showed excellent tissue integration, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and robust regeneration of smooth muscle, epithelium, vasculature, and peripheral nerves. Contrast swallow studies and functional assessments confirmed recovery of peristaltic motion and stable luminal patency, highlighting the scaffold’s strong potential for future clinical translation. Professor Nam stated, “This work is the first to recreate both the structural complexity and mechanical properties of the esophagus by combining electrospun PU, DLP-patterned Sil-MA, and ECM-based bioprinting. It represents a powerful fabrication strategy capable of engineering tissue-specific mechanical behavior and promoting coordinated regeneration in esophageal reconstruction.” The research was published under the title “Integrated Biofabrication of Artificial Esophageal Scaffolds using Electrospinning, Embedded DLP, and Extrusion Techniques” in the online edition of Materials Today Bio (Impact Factor: 10.2, JCR Top 7.2%), one of the leading international journals in the field of biomaterials and regenerative medicine. The study was supported by the Health Technology R&D Project of the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (HI22C1323) and involved collaborative contributions with researchers at Seoul National University College of Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Inje University, and ATEMs.
Pukyong National University Sees Significant Climb in QS Rankings- 262nd in Asia, 28th in Korea, and 7th Among National UniversitiesPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) saw a significant rise in this year’s QS Asia University Rankings. According to the ‘2026 QS Asia University Rankings’ released on November 4 by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds), a UK-based higher education evaluation agency, Pukyong National University was ranked 262nd in Asia and 28th in Korea. This marks an improvement of 37 places in Asia (from 299th last year) and 5 places in Korea (from 33rd last year). Despite an increase in the number of participating universities this year compared to last year (from 984 to 1,530 in Asia, and from 101 to 103 in Korea), this achievement is especially meaningful. Pukyong National University (PKNU) received a total score of 43.4 in this year’s evaluation, marking a 14.5-point increase from last year’s score of 28.9. The university scored higher across most evaluation indicators, with particularly notable improvements in the number of outbound exchange students and academic reputation. In terms of domestic rankings, PKNU placed second in the Busan region and seventh among national universities nationwide, outperforming other major regional national universities. The national university ranking order was Busan National University, Kyungpook National University, Chonbuk National University, Chungnam National University, Chonnam National University, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Chungbuk National University, Kangwon National University, Jeju National University, and Gyeongsang National University. Pukyong National University plans to further strengthen the management and dissemination of its institutional achievements and capabilities based on the results of this evaluation, primarily through the university’s Sustainable Development and Performance Management Center, which oversees its performance management system. This evaluation result is expected to serve as a driving force for PKNU to achieve its mid-to-long-term development plan, PKNU VISION 2035, which aspires to become a “leading university beyond the southeastern region to the global stage.”
Pukyong National University Throws Open Its Lab Doors to Future Graduate Students？ 2025 Open Lab Day and PAC event held, featuring lab tours, exhibitions, and special lecturesPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) held the “2025 Open Lab Day and Pukyong Academic Conference (PAC)” on October 29 and 30 at the Pukyong Convention Hall. This event was organized to offer hands-on experiences in research labs and experimental facilities for students interested in pursuing graduate studies, while also showcasing outstanding research achievements and strengthening the university’s graduate school network. On the morning of the 29th, a ‘panel talk’ was held, featuring discussions on graduate school life, research, and career paths. Professors who had published in , along with alumni now working at major corporations and government research institutes, joined as panelists to share their vivid, real-world experiences with the audience. In the afternoon, lab tours and networking sessions followed. Graduate students served as guides, leading participants through various laboratories. A total of over 50 research and experimental labs opened their doors, welcoming approximately 2,000 participants. Visitors were introduced to research equipment, observed experiment demonstrations, learned about ongoing projects, and received career counseling from faculty advisors. On the 30th, booths were set up at the Pukyong Convention Hall to provide information on general graduate school admissions, integrated bachelor’s-master’s programs, the BK21 Phase Four Graduate Innovation Program, and other support initiatives. The university introduced more than 20 support programs during the event, offering scholarships and international research funding ranging from 300,000 KRW to 7 million KRW. Following that, at the same venue, presentations of industry-academia-research collaboration project outcomes, a special lecture by Lee So-young, Director at Microsoft Korea, and an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding graduate research were held. President Bae Sang-hoon stated, “As a research-oriented university, the capabilities of our graduate students are crucial in leading the advancement of high-tech industries such as AI and digital technologies. We will continue to fully support your research endeavors and strive to become a strong university that opens the future through courage, innovation, and challenge.”
Pukyong National University Selected for APCEIU’s Global Citizenship Education Course Program for the Second Consecutive Year-Strengthening the “Global Issues and Global Citizenship” CoursePukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has been selected for the 2026 Global Citizenship Education Course Development Support Project by the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding under the auspices of UNESCO (APCEIU). This marks the university’s second consecutive year of selection following last year. APCEIU is an international organization established in 2000 under an agreement between the Republic of Korea and UNESCO. It plays a key role in promoting global citizenship education, aligned with UNESCO’s Education 2030 agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Global Citizenship Education Course Support Project aims to institutionalize and regularize global citizenship education (GCE) in higher education and to promote its interdisciplinary dissemination. The project also supports enhancing university (and graduate) students’ understanding and awareness of GCE in Korea. Following its selection for this project last year, Pukyong National University offered an undergraduate course titled “Global Issues and Global Citizenship” during the first semester, organized by the School of International and Area Studies, with Professors Jeong Beop-mo and Moon Ki-hong in charge. This course invited six experts in fields such as multiculturalism, global citizenship education, international development cooperation, economic justice, and global civil society to give lectures on pressing global issues and possible solutions, receiving positive feedback from students. With this year’s renewed selection, the Division of International & Area Studies plans to open the course again in the upcoming spring semester. The course will enhance students’ experiential learning and feature speakers whose expertise aligns with the unique characteristics of Busan as a global maritime city, aiming to foster students’ practical competencies in global citizenship. Professor Moon Ki-hong of International Development Cooperation, who will lead the course, stated, “Being selected two years in a row is a recognition of our university’s capabilities in GCED. We will continue to strengthen students’ global citizenship awareness and their ability to put it into action.”
Pukyong National University Hosts Weeklong Global Festival for International Students？ ‘PKNU G·Uni-Festa·Week’ kicks off on the 24th with parade, sports day, Korean speech contest, and morePukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) held the opening ceremony of the global festival ‘PKNU G·Uni-Festa·Week’ for international students on October 24. Under the theme “You and I, Together Creating a Small Global Village,” the festival began with an opening event at the Multipurpose Hall in Engineering Building I and will continue for seven days until October 30. This event was organized to provide international students from around the world with an opportunity to enjoy cultural exchange together with current PKNU students and the local community. As of October, Pukyong National University has 1,802 international students from 66 countries enrolled in undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, as well as integrated master’s？Ph.D. programs, exchange programs, training courses, and dual degree programs. The festival is co-hosted by the Pukyong National University RISE Initiative and the Office of International Affairs and features a variety of programs designed to foster communication and understanding under seven key themes: Encounter, Connection, Exchange, Learning, Culture, Cooperation, and Unity. On the opening day, October 24, around 150 international students enjoyed various recreational activities. The following day, approximately 50 international students participated in the UN Peace Festival parade held at UN Peace Park near the campus, showcasing their traditional attire. In addition, the Chinese, Vietnamese, and Myanmar student associations hosted Global Booths during the festival, running them over the course of two days, October 25 and 26. On October 27, the event featured a Korean Speaking Contest, a talk concert, and the Golden Bell quiz competition. On the 28th, programs included the Global Gallery exhibition, a lawn reading session, and a lawn film screening. The PKNU Global Sports Day will be held on the 29th at the main sports field, followed by booth events and traditional performances in conjunction with the Academic and Cultural Festival on the 30th. President Bae Sang-hoon stated, “I hope this festival, where international students take center stage, will further promote vibrant global cultural exchanges on our campus. We will continue our efforts to create a truly global campus where international students can study and live with ease.”
Pukyong National University Holds Donation Ceremony for 1 Billion KRW from Alumnus Kang Se-heung？ Visited Alma Mater on the 27th … Supports University Development and Fisheries Science ResearchPukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) held a donation ceremony on the morning of October 27 at the university headquarters reception room for alumnus Kang Se-heung (Class of ’58, Department of Manufacturing Engineering). On this day, alumnus Kang Se-heung delivered a certificate of donation for a KRW 1 billion development fund to President Bae Sang-hoon. The donation is intended to support university advancement, fisheries science research, and scholarships. A Korean American entrepreneur, Kang Se-heung is the current president of the William and Margaret Kang Foundation in the United States. He visited Korea to attend this ceremony. In May of this year, alumnus Kang Se-heung had already donated 100 million KRW to his alma mater through fellow classmate and honorary professor Jang Dong-seok of Pukyong National University. Building on this, he has pledged to donate a total of 1 billion KRW over the coming years, contributing 100 million KRW annually. Mr. Kang graduated in 1964 from Busan Fisheries College, the predecessor of Pukyong National University, and moved to the United States in 1966. There, he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in food engineering from the University of Washington. In 1983, he founded SKS Trading, which he developed into a comprehensive international seafood trading company, making a significant impact on the global seafood market. Pukyong National University honored Mr. Kang Se-heung with the ‘Proud Pukyong Alumnus Award’ in 2008 and conferred upon him an ‘Honorary Doctorate in Fisheries Science’ in 2017 in recognition of his contributions to raising the university’s prestige. The university plans to use the development fund donated by Mr. Kang to support research in the field of fisheries science, provide scholarships, and promote the overall development of the university.
PKNU Confers Honorary Doctorate on CEO Jung Yong-pyo of KAM Co., Ltd.- Degree awarded on October 24; Recognized for contributions to national industrial development through technological innovation and leadership Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) awarded an honorary doctorate in engineering to Jung Yong-pyo (66), CEO of KAM Co., Ltd., on October 24. The conferment ceremony took place in the afternoon at the Pukyong Convention Hall, attended by President Bae Sang-hoon, Kim Young-sik, Chairman of the Three-Children Support Foundation, Park Se-ho, President of the PKNU Alumni Association, and other distinguished guests. CEO Jung Yong-pyo received the honorary doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contributions to national and regional industrial development through technological innovation and leadership. After graduating from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Pukyong National University in 1979, CEO Jung founded KAM Co., Ltd. in 1997. Since then, he has led the advancement of Korea’s aerospace industry by exporting aluminum and titanium aircraft components to major global companies such as Boeing and Airbus. In addition to his remarkable achievements as an entrepreneur, CEO Jung is also recognized as a respected leader in the local community. He has actively contributed to the betterment of society by promoting sharing and mutual growth, embodying the values of social responsibility and regional development. In addition, as an alumnus of Pukyong National University, CEO Jung previously served as the 12th president of the university’s Alumni Association. During his tenure, he successfully led various alumni engagement events, contributing to greater unity among alumni and advancing the university’s development. President Bae Sang-hoon stated, “It is an honor to confer an honorary doctorate in engineering to CEO Jung Yong-pyo. If CEO Jung lends his strength to Pukyong National University’s journey toward realizing its new vision, I am confident that our alma mater will grow into an even more distinguished institution―and that our pride in it will continue to grow.”
Pukyong National University Facilitates Global Market Entry for Busan’s Shipbuilding and Offshore Companies？ KOSTEC Shipbuilding & Marine signs Letter of Intent with Philippines’ MEGASHIP BUILDERS INC.？ Outcome of RISE Program’s “Global Project Acquisition Task Force” Support Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) hosted a Korea？Philippines Letter of Intent (LOI) signing ceremony on the afternoon of October 22 at Hall 4 of BEXCO Exhibition Center II in Busan. At the ceremony, Busan-based shipbuilding company KOSTEC Shipbuilding & Marine and MEGASHIP BUILDERS INC. of the Philippines officially signed a Letter of Intent. This agreement marks a successful outcome of the Global Project Acquisition Task Force, operated by Pukyong National University as part of the Busan RISE (Regional Innovation System & Education) initiative. Held as part of the 2025 Korea International Shipbuilding & Marine Exhibition (KORMARINE), the event was attended and celebrated by several notable figures including Ha Myung-shin, Vice President for External Affairs and Director of the RISE Project Group at Pukyong National University; Oh Eun-taek, Mayor of Nam-gu, Busan; and Lee Jeong-hwan, Chairman of the Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Cooperative (KOSEC), alongside representatives from the Busan Marine Engineering Industry Association. This agreement marks a tangible outcome of the Korea？Philippines Shipbuilding and Marine Mobility Cooperation Forum held in Cebu, the Philippines, this past September. At the time, Pukyong National University, the Nam-gu District Office, and KOSEC laid the groundwork for overseas contracts by building collaborative networks with the Philippine Navy and MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority), which has now materialized into this official LOI signed at the 2025 KORMARINE exhibition. Following the LOI signing, Pukyong National University plans to strengthen the activities of its Global Project Acquisition Task Force, centered on specialized talent, to further support overseas expansion for resident companies at its Yongdang Campus such as KOSEC. The Nam-gu District Office of Busan also committed to bolstering the globalization of the region’s marine industry through expanded administrative support and international exchange. Vice President Ha Myung-shin stated, “The combination of Busan’s marine industry expertise and Pukyong National University’s innovation capacity is providing practical support for local SMEs to enter the global market,” adding, “Through the RISE project, we will continue to actively support regional companies in expanding their global cooperation networks and pioneering new markets.”
PKNU Professor Donates KRW 10 million to University from Faculty Startup Proceeds？ Prof. Cho Seung-Mok, CEO of Nutra-it Co., Contributes to Development Fund on the 22nd Professor Cho Seung-mok of Pukyong National University (Department of Food Engineering), who also serves as CEO of the health supplement company Nutra-it Inc., donated KRW 10 million to the university on October 22. At a donation ceremony held in the reception room on the 3rd floor of the university’s main building, Professor Cho Seung-mok presented the KRW 10 million to President Bae Sang-hoon, asking that it be used for the development of the university. Professor Cho Seung-mok stated, “Through the university’s faculty startup system, I was able to establish a venture company and continuously achieve milestones such as acquiring individual approvals for health functional foods and registering new dietary ingredients (NDI) with the U.S. FDA.” He added, “As the company has recently expanded sales and achieved export results, I wanted to give back to the university in some way.” In particular, Professor Cho asked that the donation be meaningfully used to promote and support faculty entrepreneurship. Professor Cho, who has been recognized for his outstanding technological capabilities by being selected for the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ “K-Startup Support Program” and the “TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startups)” program, is currently in the process of securing follow-up investments following initial seed funding. Continuing his donations―having contributed 10 million KRW to the university in 2022, Professor Cho stated,“I hope that the excellent R&D technologies of our university’s faculty members will generate significant industrial impact through faculty-led startups. “
Promising Startup Technology for Cancer and Disease Diagnosis Using Metal Nanoanalysis Recognized-Professor Nam Won-il Secures Double Honors in Government Startup Support Programs-Selected for Both the Lab-Based Startup Leading University and Preliminary Startup Package ProgramsProfessor Nam Won-il of Pukyong National University’s Department of Electronic Engineering and his research team have been selected for multiple government startup support programs, thanks to their cutting-edge biotechnology. The team was recently selected for both the “Lab-Based Startup Leading University (Strategic Type)” program―jointly operated by the Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and Ministry of Education―and the “Pre-Startup Package (Deep Tech)” program led by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. In particular, Professor Nam Won-il was recognized for the high potential of his innovative biotechnology startup in the bio-health sector, being one of only 12 selected nationwide for the deep-tech program. Professor Nam Won-il’s research team at Pukyong National University operates the Nanoplasmonics Laboratory and is leading the development of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), a next-generation analytical technology. SERS is an ultra-sensitive analytical method that utilizes the enhancement of molecular fingerprint signals (Raman scattering) on metallic nanostructure surfaces, enabling the detection of molecules at extremely low concentrations, even at the single-molecule level. This technology allows both qualitative and quantitative analysis in a non-destructive and label-free manner. It is also applicable to aqueous biological samples and bio-specimens based on the weak Raman signals of water molecules, drawing increasing attention in the fields of bioanalysis and diagnostics. The core technology developed by Professor Nam Won-il’s team―a high-performance, large-area SERS biochip―addresses two long-standing limitations of conventional SERS sensors: reproducibility and sensitivity. By combining a 3D nanoantenna structure with a soft lithography process, the research team successfully fabricated SERS biochips that are suitable for large-area, high-volume production. This achievement has earned recognition for its strong potential for commercialization in the rapidly growing precision bio-diagnostics market. Professor Nam stated, “SERS chips can be applied not only to cancer and disease diagnosis or monitoring, but also to a wide range of fields such as water pollution detection, food safety, and environmental analysis,” adding, “We plan to actively pursue deep-tech-based technology commercialization beyond fundamental research.”