Young Postdoctoral Researchers Launch Joint Research with Companies on National Strategic Technologies

The government is establishing stable research foundations for young postdoctoral researchers and supporting joint industry-academia research in national strategic technology fields. The Ministry of Science and ICT selected 13 new consortia for the 2026 'Strategic Technology Postdoctoral Researcher Industry Project,' which involves companies identifying technology needs, forming consortia with universities and research institutes, and postdocs leading joint research initiatives. Selected consortia will receive up to 580 million won over two years, with additional support for collaboration mechanisms and industry engagement. The program, launched this year with 65 applications and a 5:1 competition ratio, prioritizes research capability, commercialization potential, and industry integration plans. Selected consortia will focus on AI, biotechnology, batteries, semiconductors, and other strategic sectors across regional hubs, aiming to strengthen national technology innovation and regional research ecosystems.