Incheon recognizes physician-founded startup for job creation

Chung Jun-won, right, professor of gastroenterology at Gachon University Gil Medical Center, poses with Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, center, after being awarded a plaque from the city government at Incheon City Hall on July 11. The city honored startup CAIMI for its contribution in creating jobs this year. Courtesy of Gachon University Gil Medical Center

By Jun Ji-hye

A medical instruments startup founded by Chung Jun-won, professor of Gachon University Gil Medical Center, has been selected as this year's excellent company by Incheon Metropolitan City in recognition of its contribution to creating jobs.

According to Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Thursday, Chung, professor of the Gastroenterology Division, founded the startup CAIMI, in 2020.

CAIMI, which stands for creative artificial intelligence (AI) and medical instruments, specializes in innovative medical equipment incorporating AI technology.

The firm is located at the Incheon Startup Park in Songdo where the Incheon Free Economic Zone is located.

Chung assumes the CEO post of the company which currently has 10 employees.

Chung, a specialist in the field of gastrointestinal diseases, developed “Alphaon,” AI-powered equipment that helps medical staff locate stomach or colorectal tumors in real-time while practicing gastroscopies or colonoscopies and thus diagnoses the diseases more accurately.

The medical center said it fully supported Chung's research and development by offering big data to train the AI as well as opportunities to demonstrate his trial product in the medical field.

The medical center adopted Alphaon for its gastroscopy and colonoscopy centers.

“I want to contribute to the country's future growth by continuing to create decent jobs,” Chung said.