The Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS, President Lee Jeong-hwan), a government-funded research institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT, has recruited and selected companies in the "future mobility new industry" sector and pledged to invest in resolving key technological challenges and supporting commercialization.

The Korea Materials Research Institute decided on the 7th to provide phased, focused support to companies related to the "future mobility new industry" with the goal of creating new industry jobs, overcoming the economic crisis, and leading carbon neutrality in line with changes in the global value chain (GVC).

Currently, a significant number of companies are acutely aware of the crisis facing the rapidly changing industrial ecosystem, but are unable to determine what to do and how to proceed. The Korea Materials Research Institute (KMRI) plans to support its own R&D projects, aiming to address key technological challenges and support commercialization, to provide guidance and strengthen companies' ability to respond to innovation.

The selected beneficiary companies are companies related to eco-friendly future mobility materials, parts, and equipment in the Gyeongnam region, including hydrogen electric vehicles, e-mobility, secondary batteries, and autonomous driving, which are regional innovation industries. In addition to the non-R&D sector, which provides testing and analysis fees to the relevant companies, the Korea Materials Research Institute has assigned top experts in the relevant fields to support joint research for R&D support projects such as the Future New Industry Innovation Technology Support Project and the Materials and Components Commercialization Support Project.

Director Lee Jeong-hwan of the Korea Materials Research Institute said, “Research funding for this project must be in line with the core mission and function of the institute, and must receive the consent of all members and approval from the National Research Council of Science and Technology, which is the superior organization.” He added, “Since this reflects the urgent situation of the rapidly changing corporate environment, we promise to provide continuous support in stages, not just temporary support.”

Meanwhile, as the representative organization of the technology division of the 'Future Mobility Innovation Company Support Platform,' the Korea Materials Research Institute is providing support in conjunction with the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency and four other financial divisions to enable financial assistance necessary for companies to transform their industries.