KOPRI Announces Call for Resident Companies at Polar Environment Simulation and Application Center

Optimal Space for Polar Research Participation
Expectations for Revitalizing the Polar-Related Industry

The Polar Environment Simulation and Application Center (Application Center) of the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) is now accepting applications from companies and organizations interested in moving into the center.

The Application Center, which opened in Songdo, Incheon in November 2023, serves as a platform for collaborative research among industry, academia, and research institutes. It operates programs for the practical application of polar technologies, the creation of a related industrial ecosystem, and polar education programs.

Exterior view of the Polar Environment Simulation and Application Center. Provided by the Korea Polar Research Institute

The Application Center is recruiting prospective entrepreneurs and startups with polar-related technologies or ideas, small and medium-sized enterprises with business plans utilizing polar samples or data, as well as corporations and organizations supporting polar research activities. The application period runs until July 11.

Tenants will be selected through a business plan presentation evaluation. Those selected can reside in the Application Center for three years, with the possibility of extending the residency for up to an additional four years.

Resident companies and organizations will have access not only to office space but also to advanced research facilities, including a lunar environment ultra-low temperature chamber capable of lowering temperatures to minus 80 degrees Celsius, a polar organism cultivation room, and a bio-production analysis laboratory. They can also collaborate with KOPRI or utilize samples and data held by the institute.

Applications can be submitted by mail or email. Further details are available on the Korea Polar Research Institute website.

Currently, two companies and organizations selected in last year's residency competition are conducting research and related activities at the Application Center, collaborating with KOPRI researchers and utilizing the institute's samples.

Shin Hyungcheol, Director of the Korea Polar Research Institute, stated, "The Polar Environment Simulation and Application Center is the optimal space for participating in polar research without having to actually visit the polar regions," adding, "We hope to see active participation from promising companies that can invigorate the polar-related industry."