Kim Hyunjin, a student in the Department of Entrepreneurship at Dongmyung University, is running the beauty startup "Generlab," which has officially established a dedicated research and development department and is moving forward with technological innovation in the gel nail product sector.
Generlab developed and launched its own "Bibishow" brand of gel nail stickers in 2024, which cure without a UV lamp. The brand has gained attention for its user convenience and technological prowess. The establishment of this dedicated R&D department is seen as a strategic move to enhance product quality and lay the groundwork for global market entry.
Kim Hyunjin, CEO of Generlab, stated, "We established the R&D department to create products that satisfy technology, design, and usability all at once," adding, "As research-based technological competitiveness is now a differentiating factor in the beauty industry, I want to continue growing through research-driven entrepreneurship."
The Generlab research lab is currently focused on developing next-generation gel nail technologies, including: ▲"Pre-complete curing technology" that enables high-quality results without UV exposure; ▲Material flexibility to improve adhesion according to nail curvature; and ▲The application of new eco-friendly recyclable materials.
Generlab was founded in 2024 after being selected for the "New Business Startup Academy," and has since achieved rapid results, including: ▲Certification as a women-owned and startup company in 2025; and ▲Selection for the 10th class of the Some Incubator. In particular, the company has implemented a technology-based collaborative startup model by forming a team with a home fabric designer with 20 years of experience and a director of a gel nail research institute.
A representative from Dongmyung University emphasized, "It is highly symbolic that a student startup is transforming from simple distribution to an R&D-based technology company," and added, "We will continue to support not only practical entrepreneurship education but also the strengthening of research and development capabilities to foster a sustainable startup ecosystem."
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