The Commercialization Promotion Agency for R&D Outcomes (COMPASS) announced on the 16th that it successfully concluded the '2022 Lab-to-Market Uni-Tec Demoday' on the 14th.

 

The Uni-Tec Demoday is part of the 'University Technology Management Promotion Project' funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT). The event aims to accelerate the diffusion of public research outcomes and vitalize entrepreneurship. It achieves this by showcasing the products and services of startups built on university laboratory technologies to investors, thereby providing vital investment opportunities.

During the event, 10 promising startup teams presented public investment IR (Investor Relations) pitches. Following evaluations by a panel of investment experts and venture capitalists, four outstanding teams were selected to receive the Minister of Science and ICT Award and the COMPASS President Award.

The Minister of Science and ICT Award was presented to XenoHelix, a subsidiary of the Yonsei University Technology Holdings, among others.

XenoHelix's proprietary 'XENO-Q' technique is a XenoSensor module amplification-based miRNA detection technology. This direct detection and amplification method using a XenoSensor can detect miRNA in various samples within an hour, enabling rapid and simultaneous analysis of large volumes of samples.

"We are delighted to have XenoHelix's excellent technology and marketability recognized through the Uni-Tec Demoday," said Yang Sung-wook, CEO of XenoHelix, upon receiving the Minister’s award. "We will successfully commercialize our circulating RNA-based diagnostic technology."

An investment judge who participated in the event remarked, "Laboratory startups backed by public technology possess superior technological prowess as their greatest strength. Furthermore, they are closing the gap with the market through commercialization support from universities and the government. Given their high level of technological excellence and commercialization capabilities, they show significant potential for follow-on investments."

Kim Bong-soo, President of COMPASS, stated, "The ultimate goal of university technology commercialization and innovation is to vitalize laboratory-based startups, thereby expanding the reach of public research outcomes. To build a robust innovation ecosystem for university technology commercialization, we will actively strengthen the capabilities of university tech-commercialization organizations and support the follow-on growth of lab-based startups."

A total of 10 teams participated in the final IR pitches at this Demoday. The four selected teams will receive the Minister of Science and ICT Award and the COMPASS President Award, alongside various follow-on growth benefits, including connections to external investments and corporate marketing support.

---