Mayor Baek Younghyun: "Attracting SNU Unmanned Vehicle Research Center... Leaping Forward as a Hub for Future Technology Demonstration"

Pocheon City Signs MOU to Activate Advanced Technology Testing Site Based on Natural Ecosystem

Pocheon City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Baek Younghyun) announced on May 2 that it held the opening ceremony for the Seoul National University Intelligent Unmanned Mobile Research Center Northern Gyeonggi Branch at the Pocheon Business Center on April 30, and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to activate an advanced science and technology testing site based on the natural ecosystem.

Baek Younghyun, mayor of Pocheon, is giving a greeting at the opening ceremony of the Seoul National University Intelligent Unmanned Mobile Research Center Northern Gyeonggi Branch held at the Pocheon Business Center on April 30. Provided by Pocheon City

This agreement involves eight universities (Konkuk University, Kyungbok University, Kwangwoon University, Kookmin University, Daejin University, Sejong University, Inha University, CHA University) including Pocheon City, and three institutions (Korea Aerospace Research Institute Unmanned Vehicle Core Technology Development Project Group, Korea Electronics Technology Institute, Aerospace Industry-Academia Convergence Center). The aim is to establish a foundation for joint cooperation in the research, development, and application of the unmanned vehicle industry.

With this initiative, Pocheon City presented three major visions: 'technology development,' 'infrastructure expansion,' and 'talent cultivation,' laying the groundwork to become a hub city for next-generation unmanned vehicle industry innovation.

In addition, through the 'NEXT-P Project,' the city plans to create a national-level science and technology demonstration hub where natural ecology and advanced technology converge, and to establish a technology-specialized zone centered around 'UNESCO Hantangang.'

In particular, Pocheon City plans to provide Korea's top-level testing environments for next-generation mobility such as autonomous driving, robotics, and unmanned vehicles to companies, universities, and research institutes. This will establish a foundation for growth in various fields including industry, talent, and information, thereby securing competitiveness for the future industrial development and population growth of Pocheon City.

Kim Kyuhong, head of the Seoul National University Center, stated, "The research center will continue to provide momentum so that Pocheon City can grow as a core testing ground for future mobility," and added, "We hope it will develop into a hub for civil-military convergence where both civilian and military sectors can conduct research and utilize the facilities together."

Baek Younghyun, mayor of Pocheon, emphasized, "We will promote the attraction of professional talent and secure national-level projects through cooperation with Seoul National University and leading domestic universities and institutions." He added, "By linking with related organizations such as Gyeonggi Province, Gyeonggi Daejin Technopark, and Korea Water Resources Corporation, we will create a Pocheon City where research and startups thrive." He further stated, "Through climate-resilient development pathways (CRDPs), we will establish Pocheon's own specialized future competitiveness."

Meanwhile, Pocheon City is continuing various efforts to establish an advanced industry base, such as attracting startup incubation agencies to support entrepreneurship, launching an e-sports professional team, and operating customized talent development programs in collaboration with specialized high schools and local universities.