SMTIPA Partners with Two Prestigious North American Universities... To Promote International Joint R&D and Personnel Exchange

MOU Signed with University of Toronto and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

The Small and Medium Business Technology Information Promotion Agency (SMTIPA) announced on the 19th that it has signed separate Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the University of Toronto in Canada and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the United States to promote technological cooperation, including joint research and development (R&D) with domestic small and medium-sized venture companies.

Kim Youngshin, President of the Small and Medium Business Technology Information Promotion Agency (left), and Chris Yip, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Toronto, are taking a commemorative photo after signing a business agreement. Small and Medium Business Technology Information Promotion Agency

The University of Toronto, established in 1827, is a leading research-oriented university in Canada, renowned for producing numerous Nobel laureates and possessing world-class academic capabilities in various fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), medicine, and life sciences. It is recognized as a key North American university that leads in interdisciplinary research and global industry-academia collaboration.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1824, is the oldest technology-focused research university in the United States, with strengths in applied research connected to industrial sites, particularly in engineering and science and technology fields. The university is especially active in promoting industry-academia collaboration and technology commercialization in future core technology sectors such as aerospace, energy, and semiconductors.

This business agreement is part of the "Global Collaborative R&D Project" implemented by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups since 2025. It aims to support the promotion of global open R&D innovation, resolve technological challenges, and expand strategic technological cooperation with outstanding overseas research institutions for domestic small and medium-sized venture companies.

Jeon Pilho, Head of the Technology Innovation Division at the Small and Medium Business Technology Information Promotion Agency (fifth from the left in the front row), Jon Dordic, Vice President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (sixth from the left in the front row), and officials from various organizations are taking a group photo to commemorate the business agreement. Small and Medium Business Technology Information Promotion Agency

With this agreement, SMTIPA plans to work with the University of Toronto and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to gradually implement various forms of collaborative programs, including international joint R&D, technology and personnel exchanges, and the hosting of joint seminars and symposiums, enabling domestic small and medium-sized venture companies to utilize global research capabilities and technological resources.

Kim Youngshin, President of SMTIPA, stated, "We hope that this cooperation with leading North American universities, which have extensive experience in open R&D and technology commercialization, will expand technology exchange and international joint R&D with our small and medium-sized venture companies," adding, "SMTIPA will also actively provide policy support."