The Research Industry Meets AI: Becoming the New Engine for R&D Innovation

Expansion of Research Industry Business Models Integrated with AI
"AI-Based Research Industry Emerging as a Core Driver of Global Competitiveness"

A platform has been established to share domestic and international cases where artificial intelligence (AI) is integrated throughout the entire research and development (R&D) process, and to discuss innovation strategies and business models resulting from the convergence of the research industry and AI.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it will host the 'International Research Industry Convention 2025 (IRIC 2025)' from October 28 to 29 at the COEX Magok Convention Center in Seoul.

'IRIC 2025' event poster. Provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT

Now in its fourth year, this event is organized under the theme "In the Age of AI, the Answer to R&D Innovation Lies in the Research Industry." It features an international conference and exhibition and exchange programs focused on the changes AI is bringing to the research and development ecosystem.

'IRIC 2025' is hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT and jointly organized by the Korea Research Industry Association, the Science and Technology Commercialization Promotion Agency, the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, the Korea Basic Science Institute, and Daejeon Technopark. This year, more than 3,000 participants from industry, academia, and research, as well as university students, attended. A total of 104 companies and organizations participated, operating an exhibition with 167 booths.

The exhibition section is composed of AI-based research equipment, research materials, AI solutions, and testing, inspection, and analysis services. Participants can experience firsthand how AI is applied throughout the entire R&D cycle, including research management, contract research, equipment development, and data interpretation.

On the first day of the event, October 28, domestic and international researchers shared their experiences in enhancing the efficiency and productivity of the research industry using AI. Real-world cases were introduced where AI technology was applied to research management, experiment automation, and data analysis, and discussions were held on innovation directions and global cooperation strategies in the R&D field.

An IR Day, linked with venture capital firms, is also being held to support the growth of startups in the research industry sector. Major venture capitalists such as Korea Science & Technology Holdings, The Wells Investment, and Daedeok Venture Partners are participating, conducting investment consultations totaling 3 billion won. This is expected to provide AI-based research service companies with expanded business opportunities.

A business matching zone is also being operated to directly connect researchers and professional research service providers. Technology transfer intermediaries such as TechVI, UAID, and IPON signed four technology transfer MOUs on site. Additionally, 14 AI-based research and development service and technology transfer agreements worth 1.6 billion won were concluded, and overseas buyers (from Indonesia, India, etc.) expressed their intention to purchase domestic research equipment worth 200 million won, resulting in tangible business outcomes.

On October 29, workshops on specialized technology fields such as mass spectrometry and alternative animal testing methods will be held. A total of 17 sessions, including the Mass Spectrometry Technology Forum and the AI-Research Industry Convergence Conference, will take place, sharing real-world cases where AI has contributed to experiment automation and improved analytical precision. In a special session, science communicator Exo will deliver a lecture on "The Age of AI Choice Beyond Natural and Human Selection," offering insights into research ethics and the role of humans in the age of AI.

Gu Hyukchae, First Vice Minister of Science and ICT, stated, "We will use this event as an opportunity to spread research industry business models integrated with AI, and will support AI-based research industries so they can lead R&D innovation and become a core industry securing global competitiveness."