The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) is actively supporting small and medium-sized enterprises' difficult technologies by utilizing the advanced materials, components, manpower, technology, and equipment accumulated through research and development, and is receiving a great response.

ETRI announced on the 9th that it established the 'Semiconductor Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Technology Center' in February 2021, which is in charge of technical support related to small and medium-sized enterprises (materials, parts, and equipment), and has successfully provided 174 cases of technical support to 110 companies, actively participating as a leader in resolving technical difficulties faced by small and medium-sized enterprises.

In particular, ETRI is supporting various services such as ▲technology difficulty analysis support ▲short-term technology support ▲advanced technology support ▲facility and equipment support to companies in need of resolving technical difficulties related to materials and components through the Small and Medium Business Convergence Innovation Support Team Technology Support Project (Director: Dr. Jong-Moon Park), thereby promoting corporate growth by strengthening the self-reliance of small and medium-sized companies and resolving technical difficulties.

Due to its excellent business performance, ETRI was selected as an 'Excellent Institution' in the first year of 2021 and as a 'Best Institution' last year in the evaluation of the Small and Medium Business Administration's Convergence Innovation Support Group.

A representative example of a company supported by ETRI is GNC Bio Co., Ltd., which develops field diagnostic devices.
/> During the process of developing a carbon nanotube (CNT)-based field-effect transistor (FET) biosensor measurement system, G&C Bio faced technical limitations in minimizing electronic noise generated from a microcurrent measuring device. It requested the ETRI Convergence Innovation Support Group to help resolve the technical issue, and was able to resolve the issue with the help of Dr. Jang Jun-young of the ETRI Convergence Innovation Support Group, an expert in the relevant field.

In addition, GNC Bio Co., Ltd. received technical support from ETRI and succeeded in securing intellectual property rights such as patents for portable diagnostic measuring devices and developing prototypes, and made key technological contributions to the establishment of a field diagnostic CNT-based FET biosensor system.

The developed diagnostic system is expected to be successfully commercialized as a game changer in the diagnostic market in the future as a platform technology applicable to various fields such as bio, medicine, and environment.

Kim Hae-jeong, CEO of GNC Bio, said, “While developing the nanobiosensor system, we encountered difficulties in the electronic field, but we were able to solve them with the help of the research team, which was a relief.”

ETRI Semiconductor Small and Medium Business Technology Center Director Noh Tae-moon said, “Through the technology support project of the Convergence Innovation Support Group, we can actively utilize the excellent human resources, technology, and infrastructure of the ‘Semiconductor Comprehensive Laboratory’ that the research institute possesses to maximize our corporate support capabilities, so the response from companies is very high.”

ETRI announced that it plans to continue carrying out this project in conjunction with the research institute's own corporate support programs to strengthen the technological capabilities of related small and medium-sized enterprises and resolve technical difficulties.

Meanwhile, companies seeking assistance through this project can apply for consultation on the Convergence Innovation Support Center website or the ETRI Semiconductor Small and Medium Business Technology Center and receive customized technical support within three months of application.