HLB Group Successfully Holds 1st Pitch Day, Accelerates Promising Bio Collaborations

On November 26, HLB Group announced that it had hosted the "2025 1st Pitch Day," an event introducing the technologies and business models of promising companies discovered through its first open innovation project, "HLB New Wave."

The event, held at "The River," a complex cultural space along the Han River in Banpo, Seoul, showcased the achievements and strategies of HLB Group’s open innovation initiatives. The company highlighted the technologies and collaboration cases of existing partner companies, as well as the technological competitiveness of newly selected firms.

In his commemorative address, Jin Yang-gon, Chairman of HLB Group, stated, "HLB New Wave is the starting point of a solidarity that aims to create new paths and waves together through connection, execution, and change, ultimately leading humanity toward a better future. I hope that this small ripple will evolve into a new growth model for Korea’s bio industry and, ultimately, realize HLB Group’s vision of 'Human Life Better.'"

Three companies currently collaborating with HLB Group shared their achievements and technology strategies. Neoken Bio presented its microwave-based high-purity cannabidiol (CBD) production technology and its extensive cannabinoid library, as well as the status of its joint research with HLB Life Science on cannabinoid pharmaceuticals.

Arontier announced its plans to develop next-generation cancer diagnostic models in partnership with HLB Panagene, utilizing AI drug development and digital pathology technologies based on 3D protein structure information.

Progenier discussed its development of a cancer vaccine using the TLR7/8 immune enhancement platform, backed by strategic investment from HLB Biostep, and detailed its multi-indication expansion strategy and future commercialization plans.

Three newly selected companies also presented their core technologies. Santenair Bioscience introduced its innovative antibody platform "Twin Fc-ICE," which is being used to simultaneously develop multiple pipelines, including metastatic HER2-expressing solid tumors, to address unmet needs in the fields of solid tumors and immune diseases.

SelectSyn emphasized its proprietary "Selectope™" platform, which selectively binds to specific epitopes of target proteins, and highlighted its differentiated immune-oncology antibody pipeline, including "SLC-3010," which has demonstrated global clinical competitiveness.

AppFinder Therapeutics explained its universal biobetter drug development strategy, which leverages the "PepFc" platform for half-life extension and high tissue penetration, as well as the integrated antibody discovery and engineering technology "AbFinder," applicable to a wide range of therapeutics.

Going forward, HLB Group plans to establish collaborative systems with the selected companies through ongoing consultations, providing support in areas such as funding, non-clinical research, joint R&D, technology advancement, commercialization, network connections, and infrastructure. The company will continue to expand support for mutual growth.

Lim Changyun, Vice Chairman of HLB Group’s Investment Division, said, "HLB aims to be more than just an investor, but a partner involved in development, clinical trials, and commercialization. We seek to build a realistic and sustainable collaboration structure based on standards of prediction, control, and accountability. I hope that the open innovation project will become a continuous collaboration platform, not just a one-time event, and lead to tangible results."