Tag: Inha University

A joint research team led by Dr. Gu Ye-jin of the Natural Circulation Electronic Materials Research Institute at Inha University and the Polymer Engineering and Materials Synthesis Laboratory has recently attracted significant academic attention by consecutively proposing strategies to overcome the reliability issues and performance limitations of photoresist materials used in EUV lithography-based ultra-high-density semiconductor manufacturing processes.

EUV lithography is a technology that uses extremely short-wavelength light to draw ultra-fine semiconductor circuits at the nanometer scale. The material that actually forms the shapes of transistors and metal interconnects within integrated circuits is the photoresist, which undergoes chemical changes upon exposure to light to create the circuit pattern. As such, photoresists are considered a core patterning material essential for accurately fabricating semiconductor circuits.

Recently, tin nanocluster-based photoresists, which enable more precise circuit patterning than conventional organic photoresists, have emerged as promising next-generation materials. However, these materials suffer from limitations in that their properties change upon exposure to air during processing, leading to degraded pattern quality and reduced process stability.

Dr. Gu Ye-jin focused on the fact that this instability originates from a specific chemical property of tin—Lewis acidity. Because tin readily reacts with moisture in the air, she proposed a strategy to mitigate this issue by incorporating fluorine atoms. Through material synthesis and lithography experiments, she demonstrated that this approach significantly enhances the stability and process reliability of photoresists.

The fluorine-incorporated tin oxide photoresist synthesized by the joint research team exhibited excellent process stability, showing outstanding patterning resolution at the 10-nanometer (nm) scale without reliability degradation caused by atmospheric exposure. Furthermore, by leveraging the material properties enabled by fluorine incorporation, the team implemented a bilayer photoresist structure. As a result, circuits could be formed using lower EUV exposure doses, significantly improving overall process efficiency.

This research was conducted in collaboration with the Samsung Electronics Semiconductor Research Center under the support of the Samsung Future Technology Incubation Center. The results were recently published in Advanced Functional Materials, a highly influential international journal in materials science, under the title:

“Tin-Oxo Nanocluster Extreme UV Photoresists Equipped with Chemical Features for Atmospheric Stability and High EUV Sensitivity.”

In addition to this work, Dr. Gu also conducted research on chemically amplified resists (CARs), proposing a new approach to improve the productivity of EUV lithography processes. EUV lithography operates using light with a wavelength of 13.5 nm, and insufficient photon delivery during exposure can lead to degraded pattern quality.

Rather than increasing the exposure dose, Dr. Gu proposed incorporating high light-absorption elements into the photoresist. This strategy reduces photon loss during exposure, thereby enhancing pattern quality while maintaining process efficiency.

Experimental results confirmed that iodine is an effective element for improving the operational efficiency of chemically amplified photoresists. Based on these findings, the team synthesized a CT contrast agent–based radiation sensitizer containing a high concentration of iodine and applied it to commercial EUV photoresists. This approach successfully demonstrated simultaneous improvements in EUV sensitivity and pattern quality.

This research was carried out in collaboration with the Electronic Materials Division of Dongjin Semichem and was recently published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces under the title: “Positive Role of Iodine Atoms in Chemically Amplified Photoresists for Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography.”

Dr. Gu Ye-jin of the Natural Circulation Electronic Materials Research Institute at Inha University stated, “It was meaningful to propose solutions to advanced semiconductor technology challenges through close collaboration with industry. I will continue pursuing research that contributes to strengthening the competitiveness of Korea’s semiconductor technology.”

▲ Two key characteristics: By introducing fluorinated ligands into tin oxide, reactivity between tin and atmospheric molecules is reduced, chemical orthogonality is secured, and multilayer thin-film structures become feasible—resulting in enhanced resist sensitivity.

▲ Iodine was identified as a high-absorption element that improves the efficiency of chemically amplified photoresists. By applying a CT contrast agent–based radiation sensitizer containing a high concentration of iodine to commercial EUV photoresists, simultaneous improvements in sensitivity and pattern quality were demonstrated.

▲Dr. Gu Ye-jin of the Natural Circulation Electronic Materials Research Institute

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▲Participants pose for a commemorative photo at the 3rd Jisan-Hak Performance Forum.

Inha University held the 3rd Jisan-Hak Performance Forum on the 23rd to share the achievements and outcomes of collaborative initiatives jointly developed by regional education, industry, and the university.

The forum was organized to review the outcomes and progress of local industry university (Jisan-Hak) cooperation, aimed at strengthening region-based talent development and industrial linkages, while exploring directions for future advancement.

The event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry professionals, university faculty members, researchers from government-funded research institutes, and students. Participants shared field-oriented experiences and practical outcomes derived from Jisan-Hak collaboration.

Outstanding students were recognized for their accomplishments in Jisan-Hak collaborative curricula. Presentations were also delivered on exemplary educational operation models, supporter program cases, and best practices in linking student career development with employment. In particular, cases demonstrating the organic integration of school education, university expertise, and industry demand drew strong interest from attendees.

Key sessions highlighted how students are accumulating hands-on problem-solving experience beyond theory-based learning through various extracurricular activities, such as secondary battery competitions and global projects. These experiences were shown to broaden students’ career exploration and expand their options for major selection.

Industry representatives noted that incorporating real-world contexts into learning from the educational stage has significantly enhanced the quality of talent development.

A senior-to-junior scholarship presentation ceremony for the secondary battery major was also held. Alumni Ahn Chi-wan (Class of 2019, Department of Chemical Engineering), CEO of WorkX and a second-cohort graduate of the secondary battery major, donated a scholarship fund to support junior students, expressing his strong commitment to the academic community. Ahn recently received the 2025 Korea Talent Award.

Ahn stated, “My learning experience in the secondary battery major and the Jisan-Hak collaborative education program became an important foundation for my entrepreneurial journey,” adding, “I made this scholarship donation in hopes that my juniors can continue to challenge themselves and grow in a more stable environment.”

The university expects that this scholarship donation will further invigorate education and research in the secondary battery major, while strengthening the cooperative network between alumni and current students. The institution plans to continue building a sustainable, major-based talent development system.

To enhance employment competencies in the secondary battery industry, experts from academia, research institutes, and industry also participated as speakers in special lectures for students, receiving positive feedback.

Choi Jin-seop, Head of the Secondary Battery Project Group, said, “This 3rd Jisan-Hak Performance Forum provided an opportunity to confirm the outstanding result of our educational incubating efforts, while sharing a vision for an educational ecosystem aligned with Incheon’s advanced talent development strategies.” He added, “We will continue to expand models that support student growth and promote mutual development with regional industries through Jisan-Hak collaboration.”

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▲Students and industry representatives pose for a commemorative photo at the Corporate & Social Problem-Solving Project Final Presentation.

The Engineering Education Innovation Center recently hosted the 2025 Corporate & Social Problem-Solving Project Final Presentation.

The event featured a total of five teams, consisting of four competition-track teams and one advanced-track team. A panel of judges composed of industry experts, patent attorneys, and faculty members evaluated the teams’ presentations and prototypes.

Over a two-month period, students carried out a practice-oriented industry–academia cooperative capstone project that involved problem definition, design, prototype development, and feedback. The projects were based on real-world industrial challenges presented by Hyperdrive Korea Co., Ltd. and Hydrofast Co., Ltd.

The proposed project topics combined technological innovation with social value. They included the development of a non-powered ground reaction force ankle assist device for socially vulnerable individuals experiencing muscle loss, as well as smart agriculture technology utilizing four-wheel steering and driving systems.

Following the evaluation, the Grand Prize in the competition track was awarded to Team “Mu-Yaho.” The team developed a lightweight, custom-made walking assist device using a GFRP plate spring. The project demonstrated a high level of completeness through appropriate material selection (GFRP utilization), creative and precise design, and verification based on electromyography (EMG) measurements.

In particular, the team’s link structure design, which reflected joint motion mechanisms, and the systematic application of engineering elements were highly praised for achieving a technical level comparable to professional research standards.

The Excellence Award was presented to Team Balpyeonhan Sesang, while the Advanced Track Outstanding Technology Award was awarded to Team ALM.

Choi Soo-sung, CEO of Hydrofast Co., Ltd., stated, “Watching the students’ problem-solving processes was highly inspiring for the industry as well. I hope this project becomes a valuable asset in your future careers.”

Pyeon Seok-jun, Director of the Inha Engineering Education Innovation Center, commented, “This industry-collaborative project was a meaningful opportunity that provided students with real-world experience and growth. We will continue to expand industry-linked education models in the future.”

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▲ Participants of the 2026 Inha Appreciation Night pose for a commemorative photo.

On January 14, Inha university invited donors and alumni who have devoted themselves to the development of the school and hosted the “2026 Inha Appreciation Night” at the Sheraton Grand Incheon.

The “Inha Appreciation Night” was organized to express gratitude to donors and alumni who have accompanied the university through its growth and leap forward, and to share the university’s vision and direction for future development.

The event was attended by about 50 donors and alumni who are contributing to Inha University’s development, including President Cho Myung-woo and Kim Doo-han, President of the Inha University Alumni Association.

At the Inha Appreciation Night, a development fund donation ceremony for the university was also held. Alumni Association President Kim Doo-han donated 30 million won to the university development fund, while the Global Business Leader Academy (GBLA) 1st Cohort Alumni Association (10 million won) and former Inha University Vice President Kim Yoo-hang (6 million won) also joined in donating to the university’s development fund.

Alumni Association President Kim Doo-han said, “I am grateful for the remarkable leap forward achieved by my alma mater, and together with fellow alumni, I will continue to contribute even more to the development of our university.”

President Cho Myung-woo shared with donors and alumni the university’s path of growth and its vision for the future during the event.

In particular, he introduced the university’s CubeSat “INHAROSAT,” which successfully entered orbit together with the 4th launch of Nuri last year, and reflected on the path Inha has taken as the “birthplace” of Korea’s aerospace field.

Inha university also introduced its major development campaigns currently underway. The development campaigns are external cooperation projects in which donors, alumni, and the local community participate together to ensure the continuous advancement of the university’s education and research.

These include ▲ the “1,000-won Breakfast” campaign to strengthen student welfare, ▲ a naming campaign linked to the construction of Seungunjae, a Happiness Dormitory, and ▲ visits to alumni-run companies to strengthen industry–academia cooperation and alumni networks.

Through these development campaigns, the university plans to further solidify the foundation for improving student welfare and the educational environment, as well as for sustained cooperation with donors and alumni.

President Cho Myung-woo stated, “The Inha Appreciation Night went beyond simply expressing gratitude to the Inha community—donors and alumni—who have contributed to the development of Inha University in many ways so far; it was a meaningful time to draw the university’s history and future together,” adding, “We will continue to leap forward as a global prestigious university that grows together with alumni, donors, and the local community.”

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Aims to expand the technological base and cultivate specialists in the aircraft gas turbine engine field

College of Engineering students prove their excellence by winning the Grand Prize and First Prize

College of Engineering students at INHA university achieved outstanding results at the ‘2025 National Collegiate Micro Gas Turbine Application Capstone Design Competition’ recently hosted by the Korea Fluid Machinery Association (KOFMA).

 

This competition, held for the first time this year, aims to expand the technological base and cultivate specialists in the field of aircraft gas turbine engines, which has been selected as a national strategic technology.

 

The ‘MG Generation’ team—composed of Department of Mechanical Engineering students Roh Cheong-ju, Kang Seo-hyeon, Kang Seok-ju, Ko Kang-min, and Kim Chan-ho (advisor Professor Kim Dong-sub)—won the Grand Prize, the KOFMA President’s Award, for their presentation on “Analysis of Performance and Mission Profile Changes in a Micro Turbojet with Water Injection.”

 

They quantitatively confirmed that the application of water injection increased maximum thrust and reduced the UAV’s (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) maximum climb angle and time to reach target altitude. This analysis of flight performance improvement received high praise from the judges.

 

The ‘Inha Jet’ team—consisting of Department of Aerospace Engineering students Lee Seung-heon, Kim Seon-woo, Moon Gab-woo, and Lee Jung-hyuk (advisor Professor Lee Sang-yoon)—received the First Prize, the Doosan Enerbility CEO’s Award. Their presentation was on “Turboshaft Engine Modification and Simulation for Hybrid Electric Propulsion System Application.”

 

Based on a performance analysis of a micro turbine generator for UAVs, the team designed a power turbine configuration and verified it through computational analysis. They received a positive evaluation for presenting the feasibility of developing a hybrid-type UAV utilizing a micro gas turbine.

 

These awards are expected to have a significant ripple effect in terms of education and industry-academia-university collaboration.

 

In particular, the ‘MG Generation’ team plans to expand its research based on the competition results into a feasibility analysis for applying hydrogen to micro gas turbines. This will be in connection with the ‘Carbon-Free Fuel (Hydrogen/Ammonia) Gas Turbine Design and Production’ project (led by their advisor, Professor Kim Dong-sub, and funded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy/KETEP) and the Safety Innovation Research Center (led by Professor Kwak Jae-soo of Korea Aerospace University).

 

The ‘Inha Jet’ team, winners of the First Prize at the National Collegiate Micro Gas Turbine Application Capstone Design Competition, poses for a commemorative photo.

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The AI & Data Law Center at Inha University recently hosted a publication ceremony for the Korean edition of Lectures on the Data Economy, authored by Professor Gao Fuping (高富平) of East China University of Political Science and Law.

The event was held in conjunction with the Winter Academic Conference of the Department of AI & Data Law at Inha University and served as a platform for sharing research achievements on data and artificial intelligence law between Korea and China, while further deepening academic exchange between the two countries.

Lectures on the Data Economy is regarded as a seminal work representing China’s research on data law and policy. The book systematically analyzes the data factor market, public data systems, digital governance, and legal and policy structures in the era of artificial intelligence. The publication of the Korean edition goes beyond a simple translation, providing an important opportunity to comparatively examine China’s institutional experience within Korea’s legal and policy environment through research led by Inha University scholars.

Professor Gao Fuping stated, “The data economy is not merely an issue of markets or transactions; it concerns how data is socially reused and transformed into knowledge and intelligence.” He added, “This Korean edition goes beyond linguistic translation and serves as an academic bridge through which China and Korea can jointly reflect on shared challenges in the data and AI era,” expressing his expectations for expanded academic cooperation across East Asia.

Professors Kim Won-oh, Jung Young-jin, Jung Chan-mo, and Kim Young-soon of Inha University Law School, along with Professor Lee Sang-woo, an adjunct professor in the Department of AI & Data Law, participated in translator presentations. They shared key issues from each chapter, perspectives encountered during the translation process, and implications for the Korean legal system. In the subsequent panel discussion, chaired by Professor Kim Won-oh of Inha University, in-depth discussions were held on future research agendas for the data economy and AI law, as well as directions for Korea–China joint research.

The university assessed the event as more than a simple celebration of a translated publication, viewing it as an opportunity to expand legal and policy discourse surrounding data and artificial intelligence from an East Asian perspective. Inha University’s AI & Data Law Center plans to continue expanding academic exchange and joint research between Korea and China.

Professor Jung Young-jin remarked, “This translation does more than introduce an outstanding Chinese academic work; it provides a shared analytical framework for comparing how Korea and China have designed their data and AI legal systems.” He added, “The translation process itself became an opportunity to reassess Korea’s AI Framework Act and digital strategy, and it will serve as a starting point for expanding future joint research between the two countries.”

Professor Kim Won-oh, Director of the AI & Data Law Center and lead translator, emphasized, “As Korea prepares for the implementation of its AI Framework Act, understanding how to conceptualize and institutionally support the data economy is a crucial task.” He continued, “Lectures on the Data Economy is an important guide that encourages an integrated view of data and AI—not merely as technological issues, but as matters of law, policy, and governance.” He concluded by noting, “This publication is the result of sustained joint research and mutual trust between Inha University and East China University of Political Science and Law.”

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Inha university held the “Alumni Company Plaque and Development Fund Handover Ceremony” on the 17th at the new headquarters of Korea Biznet Co., Ltd., located in Guro-gu, Seoul.

The university selected Korea Biznet, celebrating its 40th anniversary, as an excellent alumni company and presented a commemorative plaque. President Cho Myung-woo, Korea Biznet Chairman Kim Yong-pil (Electronic Engineering, Class of ’70), and CEO Kim Min-jung (Industrial Engineering, Class of ’99), among others, attended the plaque handover ceremony.

Korea Biznet was recognized for its contribution in enhancing the university’s reputation by leading the digital transformation of the logistics industry over the past 40 years.

Korea Biznet is a leading company in the digital transformation of logistics, having improved work efficiency for domestic and international companies in the international logistics ERP (Integrated Management System) sector. It currently supplies solutions to 18 countries and operates a local subsidiary in Vietnam.

Its representative solution, “G-SABIS,” is an ERP system used by approximately 1,500 companies through a monthly rental model, and is regarded as a standard solution in the domestic logistics industry.

Korea Biznet has strengthened the connection between industry and education through industry-academia cooperation with the university, and at this event, further solidified this partnership by pledging an additional total of 30 million KRW to the “Graduate School of Logistics Development Fund” over the next three years.

Meanwhile, the university operates the “Alumni Excellent Company Certification and Plaque Handover Program” to honor exemplary alumni companies that demonstrate innovation and social responsibility in the industrial field.

President Cho Myung-woo stated, “Korea Biznet’s practical innovation that connects the field and data has enhanced the reliability and efficiency of the industry,” and added, “Inha University will also create the standard for the next 40 years together with Korea Biznet, based on industry-academia cooperation and talent cultivation.”

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the reliability and efficiency of the industry,” and added, “Inha University will also create the standard for the next 40 years together with Korea Biznet, based on industry-academia cooperation and talent cultivation.”

▲3U-class CubeSat ‘INHARoSAT’ (10×10×30 cm), developed by the Aerospace Control and Systems Laboratory

The CubeSat developed by the research team led by Professor Ki-Young Choi of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Inha University has successfully entered Earth’s orbit along with the fourth launch of Korea’s Nuri rocket.

The 3U-class CubeSat ‘INHARoSAT’, designed and built by the Aerospace Control and Systems Laboratory, features a groundbreaking technology: it is the world’s first CubeSat to carry a flexible solar cell module rolled up for launch and deployed in space.

INHARoSAT was selected as a flight mission in the 2022 CubeSat Competition hosted by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), and was launched aboard Nuri during its successful fourth flight on the 27th.

Upon entering its target orbit, INHARoSAT deployed the RoSADA (Rollable Solar Array Drum Assembly)—a roll-out solar array structure developed by the research team—and is set to conduct various missions, including evaluating the performance of the flexible solar cells developed by the domestic company Plexel Space.

In small satellites, limited surface area often results in chronic power shortages. Traditional satellites use folded panel-type solar arrays, which increase both size and mass. The Inha research team addressed this issue by proposing a method of rolling up flexible solar cells for compact stowage, enabling the deployment of wider solar arrays in space. This approach is expected to contribute to future technologies such as space solar power stations.

A key mission of INHARoSAT is to verify Inha university’s independent capability to develop and operate space-grade electronics. In addition to its main computer, the satellite carries an internally developed Integrated Onboard Computer (I-OBC). Successful validation of the I-OBC will demonstrate Inha University’s ability to produce space-qualified electronics.

To support the mission, Inha university has also established its own ground station at the Songdo Aerospace Convergence Campus, enabling direct communication with the satellite. Through operating the ground station and communicating with INHARoSAT, Inha university aims to further strengthen its operational expertise.

The project has significantly enhanced Inha university’s capacity in space development, with faculty and graduate students across aerospace specializations participating in CubeSat development. Looking ahead, Inha University plans to continue advancing education and research in space technologies and contributing to the growth of the national space industry. As part of this vision, Inha university recently established the Aerospace & Defense Specialized Graduate School, aimed at leading global innovation in aerospace and defense fields.

Professor Ki-Young Choi, principal investigator of the CubeSat project, stated, “The successful orbital insertion of INHARoSAT marks the culmination of Inha University’s continuous challenges and investments in core aerospace fields—from launching its first indigenous rocket in the 1960s to establishing the Aerospace Convergence Campus. We will continue to strengthen our role in space technology education, research, and industry collaboration, ensuring that our students develop the core competencies needed to lead the future space industry.”

▲ INHARoSAT undergoing high-temperature testing in a thermal vacuum chamber.

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Inha University held the inauguration ceremony for its new AI Convergence Innovation Headquarters on December 2 at the Orakai Songdo Park Hotel.

The AI Convergence Innovation Headquarters will serve as a comprehensive AI governance system encompassing education, research, and industry–academic cooperation. It was established to strengthen future innovation capabilities and reinforce the foundation for collaboration with the local community.

By integrating Inha University’s AI-specialized capabilities—including the College of Software Convergence, the BK21 AI Education & Research Group, and the AI Convergence Research Center—the new headquarters aims to become a university-centered AI hub that systematically manages AI talent development, advanced R&D, and industry partnerships.

Building on this foundation, Inha University plans to accelerate the convergence of AI technologies with key regional strategic industries—such as biomedical, logistics, maritime, new drug innovation, future mobility, and manufacturing innovation—ultimately creating an AI-driven innovation ecosystem that will lead broader industrial transformation.

During the event, Inha University also signed an MoU with KINX and LS ELECTRIC to build an AI-based innovation ecosystem.

Under the agreement, the three institutions will strengthen cooperation in various areas supporting regional innovation, including:

• Developing AI convergence–focused professional talent

• Joint R&D for digital transformation in Incheon’s strategic industries

• Sharing human and physical resources

They will jointly carry out core tasks under the I-RISE initiative—such as developing AI-based educational programs and conducting collaborative research in AI and digital transformation—while also expanding academic and research exchanges.

President Myungwoo Cho stated, “With the launch of the AI Convergence Innovation Headquarters, we expect Inha University’s AI education, research, and industry–academic cooperation to become more systematically integrated and expanded. We will continue building a consistent framework for AI technology development, real-world testing, and professional talent cultivation to strengthen Incheon’s future competitiveness.”

▲President Myungwoo Cho delivers remarks at the inauguration ceremony.

▲Executive Vice President Seonghyeon Baek presents on the mission and structure of the new AI Convergence Innovation Headquarters.

▲KINX Director Jonghong Won, President Myungwoo Cho, and LS ELECTRIC CEO Daeseok Chae pose for a commemorative photo after signing the MoU.

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