Daegu Catholic University Launches 14 Billion KRW Phase 2 Project for Advanced Visual Aid Device Industry

Strengthening Export Competitiveness for Five Years
Building on the Success of Phase One

The Daegu Catholic University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, together with Daegu Technopark, has been finally selected for the second phase of the "Development of the Visual Function Assistive Device Industry Based on Advanced Functional Materials" project promoted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Students practicing at the Department of Optometry and Visual Science Center, Daegu Catholic University. Provided by Daegu Catholic University

Through the first phase of the project, which was carried out over five years since 2020, the Daegu Catholic University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation successfully commercialized 18 products by supporting materials and product technologies for domestic small and medium-sized enterprises.

As a result, a total sales of 47.383 billion KRW was recorded, 402 new jobs were created, and achievements such as winning seven CES (Consumer Electronics Show) Innovation Awards were accomplished, earning a commendation from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Based on these achievements, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy promoted the second phase of the project, which is managed by the Korea Testing Laboratory, with the Daegu Catholic University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation and Daegu Technopark as co-organizers.

This project will support companies related to visual function assistive devices to strengthen export competitiveness over the next five years until 2029, with a total budget of 14 billion KRW, including 8 billion KRW in government funding.

The second phase will support not only existing human body-attachable visual function assistive devices, but also high value-added products such as contact lenses with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic functions, smart eyewear for medical devices, and assistive devices for eye diseases.

Daegu Catholic University plans to utilize its Optical Lens Industry Hub Center, established through the previous Creative Industry Hub Institution Support Project, to provide technical information on visual function assistive devices, support for regulatory approval and performance evaluation, prototype production, and technical problem-solving, thereby promoting technology development to strengthen global competitiveness.

In addition, by cooperating with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), the university will actively support companies' entry into overseas markets by assisting with export consultation meetings, trade missions, and participation in overseas exhibitions.

Kim Gihong, head of the Optical Convergence Technology Business Group, said, "Considering that 97% of exports in the visual function assistive device industry are from small and medium-sized enterprises, we will provide our university's capabilities and infrastructure to the fullest to advance the industry, strengthen corporate competitiveness, and contribute to regional development."