Lotte and KAIST open joint R&D center for future technologies

Lotte Group and KAIST have inaugurated the ‘LOTTE x KAIST R&D CENTER’ in Daejeon to advance research in next-generation technologies. The facility was established through a 10 billion won ($7.45 million) donation from Lotte Group alongside funding from KAIST.

The center focuses on three primary research pillars: bio-sustainability (developing biofuels and bioplastics to replace fossil fuels), carbon neutrality (advancing green hydrogen, renewable energy, and battery technologies), and advanced food and healthcare. Artificial intelligence will be integrated throughout the research process to accelerate the discovery of new materials and technologies.

This partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application by combining KAIST’s fundamental research capabilities with Lotte’s expertise in commercialization and prototyping. The collaboration between the two institutions dates back to 2012.