LG Innotek, KAIST join hands to develop future technologies

LG Innotek CEO Moon Hyuk-soo, right, and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology President Lee Kwang-hyung pose after signing a memorandum of understanding at the school in Daejeon, Wednesday. Courtesy of LG Innotek

LG Innotek is partnering up with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) to work toward developing future technologies and fostering talent, the company said Thursday.

According to the electronics component affiliate of LG Group, it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the university to collaborate on research in areas such as optics, semiconductors, mobility and robotics. The partnership will also focus on securing talent in these fields over the next three years.

"This cooperation will be an important driving force for LG Innotek to expand its business portfolio from mobile to semiconductors, mobility and robotics,” CEO Moon Hyuk-soo said.

The agenda for this collaboration includes developing technologies for next-generation imaging, detecting microdefects on a substrate, autonomous vehicle sensors and control systems for robotic components.

LG Innotek possesses fundamental technologies in substrates and sensing and control systems, as well as experience in optics and substrate businesses. Meanwhile, KAIST is recognized for its expertise and research achievements in areas like sensors, materials and artificial intelligence, creating expectations for strong synergy between the two partners.

"The partnership with LG Innotek will be a crucial foundation for developing core future technologies in fields such as optics and semiconductors," KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung said.

The two sides plan to discover additional potential cooperation in the future and expand the partnership to cover the next-generation biohealth sector.

LG Innotek will offer scholarships to KAIST students participating in the project and recruit outstanding awardees among them.