South Korea selects bio-medical R&D projects for CGT and bioprinting

South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT has selected several projects for its Bio and Medical Technology Development Program, focusing on advancing national strategic technologies.

CHA Biotech has been named a joint research institution for the 'K-CGTAP' project, which aims to establish a Korea Cell and Gene Therapy Analysis Platform. This initiative, running from 2026 to 2030, involves a total R&D budget of approximately 13.7 billion KRW. CHA Biotech will focus on developing and verifying analysis technologies for cell and gene therapies (CGT) to meet global regulatory standards, including potential application in the United States via its subsidiary, Matica Biotechnology.

In Gyeongsangbuk-do, two major projects led by POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) have been selected, with a total investment of 36 billion KRW over five years. One project focuses on developing next-generation plant exosome technology to create a core hub for bio-materials used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The second project aims to develop original technologies for manufacturing innovative regenerative therapies using 3D bioprinting, specifically targeting patient-customized organ treatments and AI-driven cardiac muscle therapy production.