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Month: December 2024

Three Korea University startups win innovation awards at CES 2025

Posted on by Editorial Team

Three Korea University startups will receive the Innovation Awards at the ‘CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2025’, an international consumer electronics show held in Las Vegas in January 2025.

CES, organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), is the world’s largest electronics and IT trade show. The CES Innovation Awards are given to cutting-edge technologies and products that lead the world in innovation, considering factors such as technology, design, and originality. The awards are often referred to as “the highest honor at CES.”

Winning products are granted the right to use the CES Innovation Award logo for marketing and gain exposure on the CES website.

The three KU startups are:
QSimplus (led by Noh Kwang-seok, Research Professor at the Ultra-Reliable Quantum Internet Research Center)
Complexion (led by Park Chi-ho, a master’s student at the Graduate School Department of Future Science & Technology Business)
Teramime (led by Park Jae-joon, an undergraduate student at the School of Health and Environmental Science)

QSimplus (area: Embedded Technologies) received the Innovation Award for three consecutive years with its QSIMunit-SC signal generator, which is crucial for quantum communication since it generates high-performance, precise quantum signals that play a key role in next-generation secure communication technologies. The company’s solution has been recognized around the world for its technical excellence in enhancing the security of quantum-encrypted communication and maximizing the performance of quantum networks.

Complexion (area: Digital Health) presented MoveFreeKer, an innovative wearable technology, which helps maintain optimal physical balance and health by analyzing the user’s movement and body shape data in real-time. With sophisticated AI-driven sensors and algorithms, it provides users tailored exercise and activity guides and has been in the spotlight as an innovative solution that overcomes the limitations of existing fitness technologies.

Teramime (area: Artificial Intelligence) showcased the AI-based next-generation multi-factor authentication and command recognition solution ‘LESA Pass,’ which combines facial recognition and secret word authentication, making it theft proof and highly secure against deepfake attacks. Thanks to its irreversible processing, authentication data, if leaked, cannot be stolen and remains secure.

Lee Byung-cheon, Director of the Crimson Start-up Support Foundation, said, “The CES 2025 will be an opportunity to prove Korea University’s innovation and startup capabilities to the world. We will continue to provide support for KU startups and their research so that they become leading players in the global market.”

Korea University has participated in CES for four years in a row since 2022, and, for the first time, the university will run an independent booth (LVCC South Hall 3) at CES 2025, an improvement on the previous joint booth. KU hopes that this will serve as a dedicated space to showcase the university’s outstanding startup and research achievements.

UTAR’s liquid metal innovations for a healthier future: Revolutionizing healthcare wearables

Posted on by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

At Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), researchers are pioneering innovative healthcare wearables using liquid metal (LM) technology to advance patient comfort and monitoring capabilities. Led by Dr. Chee Pei Song, an associate professor of mechatronics and biomedical engineering, the UTAR team is developing wearable devices that are more flexible, biocompatible, and responsive than conventional rigid wearables like smartwatches. Unlike traditional materials, LM-based technology offers unique properties ideal for biomedical devices, including flexibility, conductivity, and seamless integration with textiles, allowing for more comfortable and accurate health monitoring.

Gallium, a safe, silvery metal often likened to mercury, is a key component in these devices. When combined with indium, it forms an LM alloy that can be used in health-focused wearables, such as patches or shirts, that conform to the body. This development marks a significant step in creating “conformer wearables,” which offer long-term comfort and improved patient experiences.

Dr. Chee’s team, in collaboration with China’s Northwestern Polytechnic University, is also working on an innovative “electronic skin” that includes an AI-powered feature for diagnosing heart disease. This electronic skin, designed as a breathable, stretchable film that fits comfortably on the skin, recently won the Gold Award at the 35th International Invention, Innovation, and Technology Competition in Malaysia. The electronic skin can measure various physiological signals, such as ECG, and relay data to connected devices like smartphones for real-time monitoring, making it a promising tool for home-based
care.

In addition to developing comfortable and accurate monitoring devices, UTAR researchers are tackling the challenge of powering these wearables sustainably. Traditional charging methods, such as cables, are impractical for continuous-use wearables. Instead, Dr. Chee’s team has designed a “tattoo” antenna using a gallium-indium alloy that can harvest energy
from WiFi signals. This allows the device to operate continuously while transmitting patient health data to monitoring devices.

UTAR’s LM research extends beyond healthcare into fields such as soft robotics, virtual reality, and entertainment. For instance, LM-augmented smart gloves could help the elderly or disabled by assisting movement, increasing strength, and providing sensory feedback. The flexibility of LM also enables more natural, muscle-like movements in robotics, advancing beyond traditional servo systems.

Wearable technology is gaining traction in Malaysia, with 65.5% of the population using it for health and fitness purposes, according to recent studies. This trend highlights a growing demand for comfortable and accurate healthcare wearables, especially as Malaysia’s aging population is projected to reach 15% by 2030. While LM-based wearables are currently more expensive than carbon or silver alternatives, UTAR researchers are optimistic that costs will decrease with further development, making these advanced health-monitoring solutions accessible to a broader population.

Through pioneering work in LM wearables, UTAR is positioning itself at the forefront of healthcare innovation, with potential impacts across medical, technological, and consumer health landscapes.

National Taiwan university leads groundbreaking study on Carrion beetle ecology

Posted on by National Taiwan University

A recent study led by National Taiwan University (NTU) has shed new light on the intricate relationship between carrion beetles and their food source. By comparing breeding success on both laboratory-prepared and a variety of field-collected carcasses, NTU researchers have uncovered a critical factor influencing carrion beetle reproduction: carcass size.

Through meticulous analysis of 121 carcasses, the NTU team discovered that medium-sized carcasses consistently provided the optimal conditions for carrion beetle breeding, regardless of the species of the deceased animal. This groundbreaking finding challenges previous assumptions about the specific nutritional requirements of these insects and highlights the importance of considering carcass size in ecological studies.

The research, conducted by a team of scientists from NTU’s Graduate Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development, in collaboration with Cornell University and other institutions, has significant implications for our understanding of carrion beetle ecology and the broader ecosystem. The study’s findings have been published in the prestigious journal Royal Society Open Science.

Forum, dedicated to the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution, was completed at Satbayev University

Posted on by Satbayev University

Bringing together the representatives of business, science and the state with the purpose to train engineers ready for work in the conditions of robotics and artificial intelligence – this opportunity was given to the participants of the international “Challenges of the fourth industrial revolution in front of Eurasia’s scientific and engineering community” forum held at Satbayev University.

Forum’s plenary session brought together the leading experts from academic, scientific and business environment from 22 countries. Meeting was opened by President of National Academy of Sciences under President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Akylbek Kurishbayev, who congratulated the university staff on the anniversary and noted the importance of Kanysh Satbayev for the university and Kazakh science:

– Kanysh Satbayev is not just a world-class scientist, – said the academician, – but also one of those who laid the foundation for the scientific school in Kazakhstan. It was under his leadership that the country’s first technical university was created, which from the very first days of its existence solves the science and industry’s most difficult tasks.

Forum’s plenary part was attended by President of RK National Academy of Engineering Bakytzhan Zhumagulov and CEO of Beijing company THT Group-Beijing Junwei Huang and other prominent representatives of the international engineering community.

Moderator of the meeting, Satbayev University’s Rector Meiram Begentayev noted that the engineering personnel training system faces the task of not only teaching students, but also quickly adapting to the requirements of the time:

“We must apply an interdisciplinary approach to solving modern problems, learn how to compete at the global level, and artificial intelligence and automation will help us in this,” Meiram Begentaev believes.

During the forum’s panel sessions, experts, heads of government agencies and multinational companies discussed: issues of technology transfer and commercialization of scientific research; how to establish interaction between the state, science and business for the sake of our common good and what measures are necessary to promote science in society.

Representatives of Ministry of science and higher education, National academy of engineering, as well as heads of leading global companies and corporations took an active part in the given event. Participants shared news on leading projects, the work in their organizations, discussed the challenges facing the scientific and engineering community in the context of the fourth industrial revolution and the prospects for integrating the new technologies and strengthening the cooperation between science, government and business for sustainable development.

Forum’s panel sessions covered topics such as technology transfer and commercialization of scientific research, partnership for sustainable development and support for the career growth of young scientists. Program of the day also included an exhibition of scientific achievements “Made in Satbayev University”, presentations of books dedicated to 125th jubilee of Academician Kanysh Satbayev, and presenting the awards to honored scientists and employees of Satbayev University.

Following the forum results, there was adopted the resolution, which noted the importance of transforming engineering education, integrating science and practice, introducing sustainable technologies and strengthening international cooperation. The participants representing 22 countries agreed on recommendations for evolving the engineering centers and technology parks, stimulating innovation and solving environmental challenges. The adopted action plan until 2040 includes annual conferences, startup support, international research networks and environmental standards. Forum has become a significant platform for the exchange of ideas and coordination of efforts that determine the future of scientific and engineering progress in Eurasia.

Reducing carbon emissions from waste disposal

Posted on by daphneng

Incinerating solid waste is an important waste management strategy that greatly reduces the amount of non-recyclable solid waste and generates energy at the same time. However, burning waste produces carbon dioxide that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

One method to minimise carbon dioxide emissions from incineration plants is to use calcium oxide to capture the emissions. In this process known as calcium looping, calcium oxide reacts with carbon dioxide to form calcium carbonate when heated to temperatures of around 650 degrees Celsius. The reaction is reversible, and carbon dioxide is released from the calcium carbonate at higher temperatures of about 900 degrees Celsius. The released carbon dioxide can then be purified for other purposes.

However, calcium looping is energy-intensive and expensive. To evaluate its feasibility in incineration plants, researchers led by Assoc Prof Grzegorz Lisak of NTU’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering constructed a detailed model that accounts for the different variables in calcium looping.

From their model, the scientists found that using fuels produced from recovered waste for heating was the most economical and that leveraging waste-derived calcium sources, such as incineration ash, can further reduce the overall cost of this technology. Carbon credits and taxation that incentivise negative emissions also make calcium looping more economically viable.

Find out more in “A techno-economic assessment of the reutilisation of municipal solid waste incineration ash for CO2 capture from incineration flue gases by calcium looping”, published in Chemical Engineering Journal- (2023), DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.142567.

The Baltic countries move towards a more sustainable future: signing the Circular Economy Agreement

Posted on by KTU

On 18 November 2024, Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and other Baltic circular economy leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Nordic Circular Economy Summit in Helsinki, launching a Baltic Circular Economy Network to advance the region’s circular economy transition.

This strategic cooperation not only contributes to solving local and regional environmental challenges, but also positions the Baltic and Nordic countries as global leaders for a more sustainable future.

“All success stories start with a change of mindset and innovation, but this requires the right incentives and regulatory solutions. Companies transforming traditional business models into circular ones need to be confident that the external context of the business environment will be favourable and create opportunities for value creation in the long
term,” said Edita Gimžauskienė, Vice-Rector of Strategic Partnerships at KTU.

The MOU was signed between stakeholders in the Baltic and Nordic regions. The Memorandum’s main objective is to promote the development of a circular economy in the Nordic region. This includes close cooperation with the existing Nordic Circular Hotspot (NCH) and creating a new Baltic Circular Hotspot (BCH). The BCH focuses on fostering
circularity growth in the Baltic States, both for individual countries’ progress and to strengthen regional cooperation.

Gimžauskienė emphasised that being a member of the NCH gives KTU a unique opportunity to a significantly impact on the development of the circular economy in the Nordic and Baltic region.

Lithuania – a leader in sustainable development

Today, countries and businesses are faced with the need to ensure that their operations are not only environmentally friendly but also sustainable in the long term. The growing demand for resources, their increasing cost and environmental challenges underline the urgent need for circular economy solutions.

This includes resource efficiency, waste reduction and the development of circular business models. In addition, strengthening cooperation between countries, businesses and scientific institutions can help accelerate the implementation of the Sustainability Goals and the dissemination of innovative solutions at regional and global level.

Director of KTU Environmental Engineering Institute (APINI) prof. Žaneta Stasiškienė emphasised that the signing of the MOU is an essential step to ensure Lithuania’s industrial and academic leadership in the field of circular economy.

For Lithuanian industry, she said, this cooperation represents a commitment to fostering innovation, increasing resource efficiency and opening up opportunities for sustainable economic growth, in line with the European Green Deal and global sustainability goals. It also gives companies access to a regional knowledge network, partnership and financing
opportunities, boosts competitiveness and enables the implementation of cutting-edge circular economy solutions.

“KTU’s signing of the memorandum reinforces the University’s role as a centre for sustainability research and education, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, student engagement and the development of innovative, transformative technologies. This initiative also contributes to strengthening Lithuania’s position as a leader in sustainable development and contributes to the creation of a climate resilient country,” noted Stasiškienė.

Uniting the Baltic countries for a sustainable future

Dr Inga Gurauskienė, Associate Professor at KTU APINI, says that the Baltic Circular Hotspot (BCH) will be based on the Nordic Circular Hotspot (NCH) model, which has been successfully operating for five years as a centre for collaboration, implementation and value creation in the circular economy.

“KTU, as one of the co-founders of BCH, will have the opportunity to bring together researchers and departments working in the field of circular economy. The aim is to ensure that the circular transformation is based on research and cutting-edge innovative solutions,” she said.

According to Gurauskienė, BCH plans to expand the circle of partners to include organisations from Lithuania and other Baltic States. The aim is to create a dynamic space for raising topical issues, conducting joint research, sharing best practices and creating circular innovations with the potential to expand beyond national borders.

“The circular economy is the future direction – there is simply no alternative. It is important to learn from each other, share experiences and work together to create ambitious plans. BCH was founded for this very purpose – to become a regional hub for researchers and organisations – and it is very important for both us and our partners,” said Erik Puura, Vice-Rector for Entrepreneurship at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech).

A joint effort to bring Baltic countries to a Nordic level

Allan Niidu, Head of TalTech’s Circular Economy Core Lab, highlighted the urgent need for sustainable resource management. “We are facing an existential question: how can we use the planet’s limited resources in a way that allows humanity to thrive sustainably? The circular economy is essential because it allows for a more conscious and efficient use of
resources, while promoting innovative and effective solutions,” he said.

Niidu emphasised that the BCH symbolises a joint effort to bring the Baltic countries closer to the Nordic level. This is being done by creating a platform to foster innovation and circular economy solutions that will help address common environmental challenges.

BCH is a cooperation platform in the context of the New Nordics. Its main objective is to strengthen Baltic-Nordic cooperation in the circular economy.

BCH’s mission is to raise awareness of the opportunities of the circular economy, to disseminate relevant information across the sector, to initiate meaningful projects among partners and to contribute to policy-making and legislation based on Nordic best practices. BCH is an integral part of NCH.

The initiative is supported by key public and private sector players in the Baltic and Nordic countries, including the Latvian Corporate Social Responsibility Platform (CSR Latvia), the Estonian Responsible Business Forum (CSR Estonia), Riga Technical University, Kaunas University of Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, BA School of Business and Finance, the Nordic Circular Economy Network, Natural State AS, AS CleanR Grupa and Rimi Baltic.