Young Engineer Award Goes to Oh Hyungseok of KIST
and Hong Wonbin of POSTECH
The National Academy of Engineering of Korea announced on the 16th that it has selected Cha Ki-chul, CEO of InBody, as the recipient of the 29th Academy of Engineering Award. He was recognized for developing the body composition analyzer 'InBody,' which improved the accuracy of monitoring cancer, diabetes, and renal failure, and revolutionized the global healthcare market.
According to the Academy of Engineering, CEO Cha developed the InBody body composition analyzer, the world's first to simultaneously implement segmental direct measurement and multi-frequency measurement technology. He established InBody as an international standard. Leading research and development (R&D) for over 30 years, he built a diverse lineup of body composition analyzers. He introduced 3 megahertz (MHz) ultra-high frequency measurement technology to enhance measurement precision. InBody's technology is utilized for the prevention and monitoring of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and renal failure. He established 13 local subsidiaries worldwide and exported products and services to over 110 countries.
CEO Cha has contributed to revitalizing the startup ecosystem and nurturing future engineering talent. He established a venture center at InBody headquarters to support prospective entrepreneurs.
Oh Hyung-seok, Director of the Clean Energy Research Center at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). Provided by the National Academy of Engineering of Korea
The Young Engineer Award was given to Oh Hyung-seok, Director of the Clean Energy Research Center at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), and Hong Won-bin, Professor of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH).
Director Oh led the development of technology to produce high value-added compounds using electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO₂) conversion technology. He overcame the selectivity of reduction electrode materials and current density limitations, transferring the technology to domestic companies to accelerate commercialization. Through pilot-scale demonstration research, he established a CO₂-utilizing stack system and contributed to achieving the national greenhouse gas reduction targets.
Hong Won-bin, Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology). Provided by the National Academy of Engineering of Korea.
Professor Hong conducted innovative research in the fields of 5th generation (5G) and 6th generation (6G) mobile communication technologies. He developed and commercialized the core technology of 'Antenna in Package.' He invented the world's first 'display-embedded antenna,' revolutionizing the design method of wireless terminal antennas.
The National Academy of Engineering annually discovers and awards engineers who have contributed to engineering technology innovation. The Young Engineer Award is limited to those under 50 years old. The grand prize winner receives a plaque signed by the president and a prize of 200 million KRW, while each Young Engineer Award recipient receives a plaque and 100 million KRW. The prize money is sponsored annually by the Kiturami Cultural Foundation.
The award ceremony is scheduled to be held at 5:40 PM on the 20th at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul.
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