Safety Ideas from the Field of Public Security... The Third 'National Safety Invention Challenge' to be Held

The Smart Shield, which won the Gold Prize at last year's 'National Safety Invention Challenge'.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The National Police Agency announced on the 23rd that it will jointly accept ideas for the '3rd 2020 National Safety Invention Challenge' with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the National Fire Agency, and the Korea Coast Guard.

The National Safety Invention Challenge, held for the third time this year, is a contest that supports turning creative ideas experienced firsthand by about 180,000 public officials working in security and disaster sites into intellectual property rights. Last year, a total of 314 submissions were received from the police alone, and the 'Smart Bangpae' won the grand prize. Additionally, patents were filed for eight winning entries.

The contest will be held from April 24 to May 20 through the website (www.safetyinvention.kr). The theme is ideas related to national safety that can be immediately applied in security and disaster fields. After evaluation by field and intellectual property experts, 24 final entries will be selected and supported through exhibition and promotion, follow-up research and development (R&D), technology transfer to private companies, overseas patent applications, and other follow-up measures to ensure the inventions are utilized in the field.

A National Police Agency official said, "The 'Smart Bangpae' exhibited in connection with last year's International Security Industry Expo received favorable reviews, and last year's National Safety Invention Challenge was successfully concluded," adding, "We will provide wholehearted support to ensure this year's competition is also successful and develop the discovered ideas to secure the safety of the public and field police officers."