The Industry-Academia Cooperation Foundation of Kangwon National University (Director Jang Cheol-seong) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dr. Oregonin, a faculty startup led by Professor Choi Sun-eun from the Department of Wood and Paper Engineering, on October 29 at the university. The agreement outlines mutual cooperation in research and development, technology collaboration, education, workforce development, and the creation of joint outcomes in industry-academia initiatives.
As part of the collaboration, the Foundation also held a signing ceremony for the transfer of 10 technologies owned by Dr. Oregonin, including a patented pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating muscle loss derived from native Korean tree resources. The combined fixed and royalty-based technology transfer fees amount to KRW 30 billion (approximately USD 22.5 million).
Dr. Oregonin specializes in the research and commercialization of high-performance bio-based materials derived from natural products. The company is expanding into a multi-functional business focusing on muscle loss prevention and anti-obesity pharmaceuticals. It has also been recognized as a "Tech Valley Company" by the Korea Technology Finance Corporation and has received investment from WinningTree, a private investment fund. The company is actively developing innovative natural bio-materials and biopharmaceuticals in collaboration with clinical experts from Seoul National University Hospital.
Professor Choi Sun-eun, CEO of Dr. Oregonin, stated, “Through industry-academia cooperation and technology transfer, we aim to create a successful technology commercialization model. By leveraging our research capabilities and advanced technologies, we will position the company as a leading R&D platform for high-performance bio-materials derived from natural resources.”
Director Jang Cheol-seong of the Kangwon National University Industry-Academia Cooperation Foundation remarked, “Through diverse technology commercialization platforms such as the Regional Industry-Linked Open-Lab Support Program, we will actively support the startup and commercialization of the university’s outstanding technologies. Our goal is to establish an industry-academia collaboration model that connects the university, businesses, and the local community.”