# South Korean biohealth open innovation initiatives > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-biohealth-open-innovation-initiatives > Updated: 2026-09-17T01:25:41.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. South Korean biohealth companies and global pharmaceutical entities are engaging in open innovation initiatives to strengthen the domestic biotech sector. In early September 2026, the Ministry of Health and Welfare recognized SK Chemicals and AbbVie Korea for their contributions to the global biohealth ecosystem. SK Chemicals was commended for its collaboration with AstraZeneca to commercialize a diabetes combination drug, while AbbVie Korea was honored for connecting domestic biotech firms with global R&D and business development networks through the ‘KHIDI-AbbVie Biotech Innovator Award.’ Following these recognitions, AbbVie Korea, in partnership with the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), hosted the ‘AbbVie Korea Partnering Day’ in Seoul. The event facilitated 1:1 meetings between approximately 120 biotech firms, researchers, and global experts to discuss technology transfers, joint research, and strategic investments. Selected companies, including Curogen and Epibiotec, were designated to receive financial support and R&D mentoring to assist in global commercialization efforts. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-17: AbbVie Korea hosts partnering day to boost biotech global collaboration AbbVie Korea and KHIDI hosted a partnering day in Seoul, connecting 120 domestic biotech firms with global experts to explore R&D collaboration, technology transfers, and strategic investments. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abbvie-korea-hosts-partnering-day-to-boost-biotech-global-collaboration ### 2026-09-10: SK Chemicals and AbbVie Korea receive biohealth innovation awards SK Chemicals and AbbVie Korea received South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare awards for advancing biohealth open innovation and global R&D collaborations. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sk-chemicals-and-abbvie-korea-receive-biohealth-innovation-awards --- Cite as: South Korean biohealth open innovation initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-biohealth-open-innovation-initiatives