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CES Innovation Award–winning startups demonstrate global technological competitiveness Hands-on exposure to future industries deepens academic strengths and provides practical opportunities for cultivating global talent President CHOI Oe-chool strengthens cooperation networks through an MOU with the LA Korean American Chamber of Commerce and special lectures for U.S.-based alumni [January 15, 2025] <Visitors touring Yeungnam University’s booth at CES 2026> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) has reaffirmed its global technological competitiveness at CES 2026, the world’s largest IT and consumer electronics exhibition held recently in Las Vegas, while accelerating the expansion of its global network through strengthened cooperation with alumni and institutions across the Americas. <YU delegation visiting the booth of HUMANICS, a YU faculty-founded startup> At CES 2026, startups that have grown through YU’s industry–academic cooperation ecosystem showcased their technologies on the global stage.DeepFusion AI, a YU industry–academia collaborative startup, drew international attention by winning the Highest Innovation Award at CES 2026 for its autonomous driving technology based on 4D imaging radar. In addition, HUMANICS, an AI healthcare and fitness robotics company founded by Prof. CHOI Jeong-soo of Department of Robotics Engineering, won a CES Innovation Award for the second consecutive year, emerging as a representative success story of faculty entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, and global market entry. These achievements highlight YU’s full-cycle industry–academia cooperation system, in which outstanding research capabilities are effectively translated into market-ready innovations. <YU delegation visiting the YU booth operated by the RLRC> YU’s research and educational presence was also prominent at CES 2026.The Regional Leading Research Center (RLRC) for Blue Technologies in Autonomous Vehicle Parts and Materials operated an independent booth, introducing global industry and research leaders to its achievements in passive material technologies, active component technologies, and driving environment recognition and control technologies for autonomous vehicles, while exploring opportunities for international collaboration. In particular, YU enhanced the educational value of the CES visit by dispatching a large-scale delegation of faculty and students.More than 40 participants, including members from the Software-Centered University Project Group, the RISE Future Aut omotive Innovation Parts Project Group, the Leading Research Center for Multimodal Untact Sensing for Lifelogging, and the SME Joint Research Support Program Group, attended the exhibition. Through first-hand exposure to cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence, robotics, mobility, and digital healthcare, participants benchmarked global best practices and reflected on how universities should adapt their educational content and teaching methods in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.The visit reaffirmed that, even in an era defined by AI and robotics, university education must ultimately remain people-centered, nurturing warm, ethical, and socially responsible talent alongside advanced technical expertise. <Special lecture and alumni night event with the US General Alumni Association> <President CHOI Oe-chool delivering a special lecture to U.S.-based alumni> An alumni gathering held in conjunction with the CES visit underscored the strength of YU’s global alumni network. Approximately 60 alumni, including LEE Don, President of the US General Alumni Association, joined President CHOI and university officials for an LA Alumni Night, fostering deeper exchange and solidarity among alumni.In his special lecture, President CHOI shared YU’s recent achievements, including strong performances in university evaluations and rising admissions competitiveness, and outlined the university’s strategies for educational and research innovation and enhanced student support. He emphasized YU’s sustainable growth model, in which the university, alumni, local communities, and industries grow together, highlighting YU’s vision of becoming a globally recognized private university. <LEE Don, President of the US General Alumni Association, delivering a welcome address> LEE Don (Architecture, Class of ’73) stated, “We sincerely welcome President CHOI’s visit to Los Angeles. The positive developments at our alma mater are truly encouraging and meaningful to alumni abroad.” He added that alumni across the Americas would continue to actively support YU’s growth. YU’s U.S.-based alumni have collectively donated over KRW 5 billion in scholarships, providing strong support for students’ academic pursuits and global engagement. This robust global alumni network serves as a key foundation for YU’s efforts to cultivate world-class talent. <YU signs an MOU with the LA Korean American Chamber of Commerce (from the middle left: JUNG Sang-bong, President of the LAKACC; President CHOI Oe-chool)> YU also achieved a significant milestone in expanding its global industry–academia cooperation network by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the LA Korean American Chamber of Commerce (LAKACC), led by President JUNG Sang-bong. The agreement establishes a strategic platform for expanding Korea–U.S. cooperation in education and industry.Under the MOU, the two organizations agreed to collaborate on ▲education and talent exchange ▲joint career development and internship programs for students and young professionals ▲exchange and cooperation between Korean and U.S. companies and institutions ▲joint promotion and network-building activities ▲mutual support for events and key initiatives. President CHOI commented, “CES 2026 provided a valuable opportunity to confirm how Yeungnam University’s achievements in industry–academia cooperation, research, education, and entrepreneurship are being evaluated and can expand on the global stage.” He added, “When our startups’ innovation, students’ vivid global experiences, and cooperation with overseas institutions and alumni are organically connected, the university’s competitiveness is maximized.” He concluded, “YU will continue to expand opportunities for faculty and students to gain global perspectives and experiences through internships and participation in international exhibitions.Through global industry–academia cooperation and educational innovation, we will remain committed to cultivating talent that meets the demands of the times and contributes to the shared prosperity of humanity.”
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Stronger in times of challenge: All 20 examinees pass through robust and well-structured medical education A testament to the educational competitiveness of YU College of Medicine and its role in cultivating future physicians Demonstrates the strength of a prestigious medical school through educational normalization and enhanced customized training [January 22, 2026] Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) announced that all 20 examinees from its College of Medicine passed the 90th National Medical Licensing Examination, achieving a 100% pass rate, according to results released by the Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute. This year’s examination was conducted amid a significant nationwide decline in the number of examinees. A total of 1,078 candidates took the exam, of whom 818 passed, marking a notable decrease in both examinees and successful candidates compared to previous years. Despite this challenging environment, YU College of Medicine distinguished itself by recording a perfect pass rate, once again demonstrating the strength and substance of its medical education. YU College of Medicine has remained focused on maintaining academic stability and educational quality, even under difficult circumstances. The university attributes this achievement to its systematic, customized education framework, including courses designed to strengthen clinical competence, intensive training programs, and student-centered learning support, all of which have consistently enhanced students’ preparedness for the national licensing examination. President CHOI stated, “This 100% pass rate in the National Medical Licensing Examination is a truly meaningful achievement made possible by the dedication of our students, who remained fully committed to their studies despite challenging conditions, the faculty members who devoted themselves to education in the field, and all members of the university who worked together to normalize academic operations.” He added, “YU will continue to support our students so that they may grow into professional medical practitioners who contribute to humanity, grounded in a systematic and high-quality medical education.” Meanwhile, YU College of Medicine is accelerating its efforts to cultivate future-oriented medical professionals capable of responding proactively to a rapidly changing healthcare environment, through continuous curriculum improvement and the strengthening of clinical education.
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- 2026. 01. 30
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YU launches a new chapter of university innovation based on ESG standards Declaration of a value-chain ESG university encompassing education, research, operations, and social contribution University-wide solidarity consolidates commitment to ESG implementation, advancing a sustainable management system [January 23, 2026] <YU officially declared its university-wide ESG management vision at the “YU-ESG Management Vision Declaration Ceremony.”> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) officially declared its ESG management vision on the afternoon of January 22 at the Lee Si-won Global Convention Hall, Cheonma Art Center, during the “YU-ESG Management Vision Declaration Ceremony.” The ceremony was organized to establish ESG management as a core operational philosophy of the university and to share this vision with university members and the local community, thereby laying a foundation for action-oriented ESG implementation. The event was attended by approximately 60 participants, including HAN Jae-sook (Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation), President CHOI Oe-chool, JUNG Tae-il (former President of the YU Alumni Association and Chairman of Korea OSG), LEE Sang-gil (Executive Vice President of the Daegu Chamber of Commerce and Industry), CHOI Sang-soo (Executive Vice President of iM Bank’s Institutional Banking Group), along with university executives, faculty, staff, student representatives, alumni, and key regional figures. Participants reaffirmed their collective commitment to realizing the YU-ESG management vision. <From left: JUNG Jin-young (Head-of the YU Office of Social Contribution) ; CHOI Sang-soo ( Executive Vice President of iM Bank’s Institutional Banking Group); LEE Sang-gil ( Executive Vice President of the Daegu Chamber of Commerce and Industry); JUNG Tae-il (former President of the Yeungnam University Alumni Association and Chairman of Korea OSG); President CHOI Oe-chool; HAN Jae-sook (Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation); SHIM Chang-seop (President of the YU Student Council); LEE Dong-hyung (Chair of the YU Faculty Council); and PARK Young-bong, (Chair of the YU Staff Labor Union)> This declaration ceremony served as an opportunity to officially introduce YU’s distinctive ESG brand both internally and externally, translating global sustainability discourse into a concrete core slogan for university governance. YU presented its ESG vision as a commitment to building “a safer and happier world”—one that respects the planet’s ecological boundaries while ensuring that all members are guaranteed a solid social foundation. The university made clear its intention to move beyond symbolic declarations by embedding ESG as practical, applicable standards across all aspects of university operations. ESG is positioned not as an external evaluation tool, but as YU’s overarching management philosophy, guiding every decision-making and operational process. Furthermore, YU proposed a “value-chain ESG university model” that integrates its unique asset—the global sharing of K-Spirit—into the ESG value chain, alongside education, research, organizational structure, and operations. Through this model, all educational and research activities, administrative operations, and external partnerships are organically connected under the ESG philosophy, enabling university-level practices to expand their impact from the local community to the global stage. This ESG management framework will serve as a fundamental operating principle across education, research, governance and operations, social contribution, and global cooperation. <President CHOI Oe-chool delivers a commemorative address at the “YU-ESG Management Vision Declaration Ceremony.”> During the ceremony, the process and objectives behind the establishment of the YU-ESG management vision were shared. Participants viewed award-winning entries from a student-produced ESG practice video contest, reflecting on the true value and meaning of ESG practices in everyday life. This was followed by the official reading of the YU-ESG Management Vision Declaration, culminating in a collective vision announcement involving the chairperson, president, and representatives of faculty, staff, and students, thereby formally institutionalizing ESG management at YU. In addition, YU designated the day of the declaration as “YU-ESG Global Donut Day”, hosting participatory events across campus to raise ESG awareness. Inspired by the concept of Doughnut Economics, the program served as a symbolic initiative unique to YU, conveying the meaning of ESG and sustainability in an approachable and engaging manner. Through the distribution of ESG-themed donuts and SNS participation events, the university encouraged voluntary engagement, creating momentum for integrating ESG as a shared, everyday practice within the campus community. <HONG Young-eun, Director of the ESG Innovation Center, presents the development process of the YU-ESG management vision.> President CHOI stated, “Today, we stand together to reaffirm the new roles and responsibilities of Yeungnam University upon the noble values the university has long upheld.” He continued, “Amid challenges such as AI advancement, climate crisis, polarization, and rapidly changing technological environments, YU seeks to clearly present its direction through its own ESG management philosophy.” He added, “This is a practical declaration to apply the values of K-Spirit, rooted in the founding philosophy and the spirit of Hongik Ingan—benefiting humanity at large—across education, research, administration, and social contribution.” President CHOI emphasized, “Starting with this vision declaration, YU will strive to become a model university that fosters a safer and happier world for local communities and the global society through ESG practices embraced and implemented by all members.”
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Selective eradication of cancer cells through intracellular ion concentration regulation without damaging healthy cells NRF-supported achievement demonstrates YU research team’s world-class bio-technology capabilities Research findings published in the prestigious international journal Nature Communications [January 22, 2025] <From left: NGUYEN Bao Loc, researcher at the College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University; Professor KIM Jong-oh; and Professor KIM Jeong-hwan.> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) announced that a research team led by Professors KIM Jong-oh and KIM Jeong-hwan of the College of Pharmacy has developed an innovative nanotechnology-based immuno-oncological therapeutic strategy that selectively eliminates cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. The research team focused on disrupting mechanisms related to calcium ion homeostasis, which plays a critical role in cell survival, to induce cancer cell death.Previous studies demonstrated that elevating sodium ion concentrations in conjunction with calcium ions could effectively trigger cancer cell apoptosis; however, the high solubility of sodium ions posed significant limitations in developing clinically injectable therapeutic agents. To overcome these challenges, the team designed a novel nanoparticle platform that responds exclusively within the tumor microenvironment, enabling the simultaneous release of calcium and sodium ions while minimizing effects on normal tissues following systemic administration. Once the nanoparticles circulate through the bloodstream and selectively activate within tumor tissue, they induce intracellular ionic imbalance in cancer cells, triggering self-directed cancer cell death. Notably, the newly developed technology extends beyond direct cancer cell eradication by activating the body’s immune system, thereby amplifying anti-cancer efficacy. The researchers confirmed that the localized delivery of calcium and sodium ions within tumors enhances the anti-tumor activity of immune cells, presenting a new strategy to improve the effectiveness of existing immuno-oncological therapies. The research team stated, “This study demonstrates that a novel ion-regulation approach can simultaneously enhance the selectivity and safety of cancer treatment,” adding, “It holds strong potential for development into a next-generation nano-based anticancer therapy in combination with immunotherapy.” This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) under the Basic Science Research Program, including grants for Global Leader Research, Biomedical Technology Development, Outstanding Young Researchers, and Leading Research Center programs.The findings were published in the latest online issue of the globally renowned scientific journal Nature Communications under the title “Binary mineral nanoparticles enable intravascular delivery of metal ions to tumors for metalloimmunotherapy.”
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4,822 applicants for 808 slots; Biomedical Engineering tops the list at 14.2:1 Strong competition seen in Human Services, Education, and Environmental Engineering YU’s commitment to strengthening youth competencies earns strong recognition [December 31, 2025] Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) announced that as of 6:00 p.m. on December 31, the application period for 2026 regular admissions had closed with 4,822 applicants competing for 808 on-quota seats, resulting in an average competition rate of 5.97:1.This marks the highest competition rate on record, surpassing last year’s rate of 5.28:1 (4,508 applicants for 854 seats), with increases seen in both the number of applicants and the overall ratio. Under the General Student Track, the Department of Biomedical Engineering recorded the highest competition rate at 14.2:1, followed by the Department of Human Services (10.75:1), Department of Education (10.4:1), Department of Environmental Engineering (9.86:1), Department of Horticultural Life Science (9.71:1), French Language and Literature Major, School of European Languages and Cultures (9.6:1), School of Global Education (9.0:1), Department of Forest Resources (8.83:1), German Language and Culture Major, School of European Languages and Cultures (8.67:1), Department of Statistics (8.63:1), and Department of Mathematics (8.5:1), all showing notably high competition rates. President CHOI Oe-chool of YU stated, “Following a 100% freshman enrollment rate for the 2025 academic year and a 99% registration rate among successful applicants in the recent 2026 early admissions cycle, achieving the highest competition rate ever in regular admissions indicates that applicants and parents continue to place trust and confidence in YU’s sustained efforts to enhance student competencies, even amid a challenging admissions environment.” He added, “In particular, securing the largest-scale funding in the region through the RISE project and being selected for various financial support programs that provide strong backing for student capacity building have also served as important factors in students choosing YU.” He continued, “Going forward, we will continue to meet the expectations of students and parents by nurturing talent capable of leading the era of advanced industries such as AI and robotics, further strengthening YU’s differentiated educational competitiveness, and dedicating ourselves to cultivating individuals who contribute to making Korea a more refined nation and to the advancement of human society.” Meanwhile, YU will conduct practical skills tests for applicants in the arts and physical education tracks on a scheduled basis: January 20 (Tue) for Group “Na” (School of Physical Education, Department of Visual Communication Design, Department of Industrial Design, and Department of Living Product Design), and January 21 (Wed) for Group “Da” (Department of Special Physical Education). Final admission results will be announced on February 2, 2026 (Mon).
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December 4: Free health checkups provided to 100 undergraduate, graduate, exchange, and language program students at the Health Care Center University–hospital cooperative system established to protect international students’ right to health Strengthening comprehensive academic and living support systems for international students [2025-12-17] Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) conducted free health checkups for 100 international students on December 4 at the on-campus Health Care Center. The program was organized in collaboration with Yeungnam University Medical Center to support international students in maintaining a healthy and stable study-abroad experience. A total of 100 international students participated in the checkups, including undergraduate students, general graduate students, Park Chung Hee School of Saemaul graduate students, exchange students, and Korean language program students enrolled in various academic tracks at YU. The initiative has drawn attention as a rare case in which a university independently provides free health checkups for international students. The program is particularly meaningful in that it expands customized welfare support for international students, encompassing not only academics but also their overall daily life and well-being. YU plans to continue supporting a healthy and safe learning environment for international students by improving access to medical services on campus and creating conditions that allow students to focus fully on their studies. Through these efforts, the university is strengthening the foundation for cultivating global talent. LEE Chun-young, Director of International Affairs at YU, stated, “Yeungnam University is committed to providing a healthy and stable study-abroad environment for international students of diverse nationalities. We will continue to further strengthen our support systems so that students can feel secure and concentrate on their academic pursuits on campus.” Meanwhile, the Office of International Affairs at YU operates a wide range of support programs to ensure a stable study-abroad experience for international students. These include: ▲ dedicated counseling and living support programs for international students; ▲ regular and special courses at the Korean Language Institute designed to improve Korean proficiency at each level; ▲ mentoring and tutoring programs to assist with daily adjustment; ▲ the ‘YU Global Festival’ and various cultural experience programs to promote multicultural exchange; ▲ scholarship and academic achievement support systems; and ▲ professional visa and immigration administrative services. Through this comprehensive service framework, YU helps international students adapt smoothly to both academic life and daily living in Korea.
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Wins Excellence Award in project supported by the Korea Heritage Service and hosted by the Korean Association of University Museums Researcher MO Yeo-ra receives Korea Heritage Service Commissioner’s Award for special exhibition curation 32 universities participate; academic re-evaluation of approximately 156,000 previously unprocessed buried cultural artifacts over five years [December 23, 2025] <From left, second—KIM Hyun-jin, Researcher at the YU Museum; LEE Eun-jung, Director of the Museum; MO Yeo-ra, Researcher; WOO Myung-ha, Researcher; KIM Dae-wook, Curatorial Researcher> As 2025 comes to a close, the Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) Museum is celebrating a series of remarkable achievements. The Yeungnam University Museum (Director LEE Eun-jung) received the Excellence Award at the performance briefing session of the 2025 Project for the Preservation and Utilization of Unprocessed Buried Cultural Artifacts, held on December 18, 2025, at the auditorium of the Seoul National University Museum. The award recognized the museum’s contributions to rediscovering the value of long-forgotten artifacts. In addition, MO Yeo-ra, a researcher at the YU Museum, was honored with the Korea Heritage Service Commissioner’s Award for curating a special exhibition showcasing the outcomes of the project. <Researcher MO Yeo-ra of the Yeungnam University Museum receives the Korea Heritage Service Commissioner’s Award (fourth from the left)> The Project for the Preservation and Utilization of Unprocessed Buried Cultural Artifacts, supported by the Korea Heritage Service and hosted by the Korean Association of University Museums, was implemented from 2020 to 2025 with a total budget of KRW 15.6 billion.A total of 32 university museums nationwide participated, academically re-evaluating and organizing approximately 156,000 unprocessed artifacts excavated from 360 archaeological sites. The project has been widely recognized for its significant contribution to expanding the research foundation for buried cultural heritage. As part of this initiative, the Yeungnam University Museum organized and documented 1,628 artifact cases comprising 2,199 items from the ancient Apdok Kingdom that had been excavated in three phases—in 1982, 1988, and from 1989 to 1990—in the Imdang-dong and Joyeong-dong areas of Gyeongsan, but had remained unexamined for more than 30 years. The museum published three volumes of excavation reports and completed the transfer of approximately 1,400 artifacts to the Daegu National Museum in December 2025 following the state ownership attribution process. In addition, from July 11 to October 24, 2025, the museum hosted a joint special exhibition titled “A Long Wait, Stepping Out of the Storage” in collaboration with ten university museums in the Yeongnam region. The exhibition presented 233 previously unprocessed artifacts that had never been displayed to the public, providing an opportunity to share their historical and cultural significance. Researcher MO Yeo-ra, who played a leading role in organizing the exhibition, was awarded the Korea Heritage Service Commissioner’s Award in recognition of this achievement. Director LEE Eun-jung of the Yeungnam University Museum (Professor, Department of Cultural Anthropology) stated, “Unprocessed artifacts are not devoid of value; they are simply artifacts that have not yet had the opportunity to be systematically studied. We will continue to excavate, research, and widely promote the value of these cultural assets of our nation, contributing to the establishment of Korea’s stature as a ‘cultural powerhouse’ through the role of a university museum.”
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Two laboratories recognized for top-tier laboratory safety management Outstanding Certified Laboratory selected, followed by a series of ministerial commendations Continued awards for promoting laboratory safety culture and excellence in best-practice competitions [December 24, 2025] <The “Energy Management and Storage Technology Laboratory,” certified as an Outstanding Laboratory Safety Management> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) has once again demonstrated its nationally leading competitiveness in laboratory safety management. YU announced on the 26th that two of its laboratories were certified as Outstanding Laboratories for Safety Management, marking 12 consecutive years of government certification since 2014. <The “Nano Chemistry Laboratory,” certified as an Outstanding Laboratory Safety Management> The laboratories certified this year as Outstanding Laboratories for Safety Management are ▲the Nano Chemistry Laboratory (Department of Chemistry, Prof. KIM Young-soo) and ▲the Energy Management and Storage Technology Laboratory (Department of Future Automotive Engineering, Prof. KANG Seok-won). The Outstanding Laboratory Safety Management Certification Program is a government-administered system that grants official certification to science and technology laboratories at universities and research institutions based on a comprehensive evaluation of their safety management standards, operational systems, and safety awareness of researchers. The certification is valid for a period of two years. Notably, the Energy Management and Storage Technology Laboratory was additionally selected this year as an Outstanding Certified Laboratory, the highest distinction within the certification system, and received a Ministerial Commendation from the Ministry of Science and ICT. Including this achievement, YU has produced a total of four Outstanding Certified Laboratories, following previous selections in 2017 (Energy & Advanced Materials Engineering Laboratory), 2018 (Functional Polymer Materials Laboratory), and 2021 (Nano Chemistry Laboratory). In 2025, only nine institutions nationwide—across universities, government-funded research institutes, and corporate research centers—were selected as Outstanding Certified Laboratories, with only three universities, including YU, making the list. <Prof. HONG Cheol-am of the Department of Chemistry receiving the 2025 Laboratory Safety Merit Award> Individual achievements contributing to the spread of laboratory safety culture were also recognized.Prof. HONG Cheol-am (Department of Chemistry) was selected as a 2025 Laboratory Safety Merit Awardee and received a Ministerial Commendation from the Ministry of Science and ICT.Since 2020, Prof. Hong has operated an Outstanding Laboratory for Safety Management, establishing a systematic safety management framework through initiatives such as the introduction of an Open Lab system, and has been widely recognized for his contributions to fostering a culture of laboratory safety. The award ceremony was held last November at the Inchon Memorial Hall of Korea University. <Graduate student SO Min-seo, winner of the Excellence Award at the 2025 Laboratory Safety Best Practices Competition> Student achievements were equally notable.SO Min-seo, a master’s student, received the Excellence Award at the 8th 2025 Laboratory Safety Best Practices Competition for her outstanding case study on pre-hazard risk analysis in laboratories, earning the Director’s Award of the National Research Safety Management Agency.With this recognition, YU has produced a total of six awardees in this competition, continuing its strong performance in the field of laboratory safety best practices. YU plans to further advance its laboratory safety management system and strengthen institutional support to ensure that all members can conduct research in a safe and secure environment.
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Wins the 12th Michael Porter Prize in the “University Competitiveness” Category Recognized for Global Education Achievements and International Cooperation Grounded in Saemaul Studies Sets a Model for University Innovation and Global Engagement by Cultivating Talent for Global Contribution [December 10, 2025] <YU won the 12th Michael Porter Prize in the University Competitiveness category. (Right: YU President CHOI Oe-chool)> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) was selected as the winning institution in the University Competitiveness category at the 12th Michael Porter Prize Awards Ceremony, held on December 4 at The Shilla Seoul in Seoul. With this achievement, following wins in 2023 and 2024, YU has secured the prize for three consecutive years and earned a place in the prestigious Hall of Fame. The Michael Porter Prize is a highly respected award presented to institutions that create both economic and social value, based on the competitive strategy theories of Professor Michael Porter of Harvard University, a world-renowned scholar in management.The prize is co-hosted by the Institute for Industrial Policy Studies, BEST Forum, The Dong-A Ilbo, and Channel A, and is sponsored by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Council of Multinational Companies (KCMC). It recognizes outstanding competitiveness across a wide range of sectors, including nations, cities, industries, corporations, and universities. Notably, the “Competitiveness” category was newly established this year, and Yeungnam University was selected as the inaugural recipient, presenting a new benchmark for university innovation. This award drew particular attention as it recognized that YU’s long-established CSV and ESG management models form the foundation of its university competitiveness.In particular, the integrated governance system built around the president—linking ▲the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS), ▲the Institute for International Development Cooperation (IIDC), ▲the Social Contribution Group, the ESG Committee, and ▲the ESG Innovation Center—received high praise. Through this system, YU has effectively translated its educational, research, and social contribution functions into tangible social value, thereby substantively strengthening its institutional competitiveness. The judging panel also highly evaluated YU’s success in institutionalizing a system for social value creation across education, research, and industry–academia cooperation, based on its accumulated glocal CSV capabilities and ESG-leading governance. In addition, YU was cited for establishing a standard model of university innovation through data-driven operational capacity and the global dissemination of its achievements. <YU enters the Hall of Fame after winning the Michael Porter Prize for three consecutive years.> In particular, YU stood out for its global capacity-building efforts based on Korea’s education ODA model. Over the past 14 years, the university has trained approximately 1,000 master’s degree students from 77 countries worldwide. Including short-term training programs related to the Saemaul Movement, YU has provided education and training to approximately 4,400 overseas public officials and experts from 94 countries, including those affiliated with international organizations, systematically sharing Korea’s development experience and Saemaul studies.A representative case demonstrating the effectiveness of YU’s university management was highlighted by the fact that public officials and experts from various countries have applied the action plans developed at YU to government policies, public development projects, and regional development plans upon returning to their home countries. In addition, cooperation with overseas universities, expansion of alumni networks, and overseas field-based volunteer and consulting programs were also highly evaluated. Furthermore, YU has institutionalized the application of “Saemaul Spirit 2.0”—which adds sharing, service, and creativity to the traditional values of diligence, self-help, and cooperation—into its university management and educational programs. This includes customized policy development education for leaders from developing countries, community-linked social contribution models, and data-driven ESG disclosure systems. Such systematic operations have been recognized not only for enhancing university competitiveness but also for presenting a university model that contributes to shared growth with the nation, regions, and the global community. President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “YU has advanced the Saemaul Movement—an embodiment of the founding philosophy of Hongik Ingan (benefiting humanity)—by systematizing it into ‘Saemaul Studies’ and developing practical programs that integrate education, research, and social contribution, thereby contributing to the international community.” He added, “This award represents meaningful recognition of the sustained efforts and achievements accumulated by YU and its participating faculty in sharing and advancing Saemaul Studies.” He continued, “In particular, winning in the ‘University Competitiveness’ category and entering the Hall of Fame with three consecutive Michael Porter Prizes demonstrate that the university management system established by YU has become a best-practice model for education ODA and sustainable management.” He concluded by saying, “Going forward, based on Korea’s development experience and Saemaul Studies, we will continue to make every effort to widely share theoretical and practical knowledge through education, contributing to solving issues faced by the global community and to the shared prosperity of humanity.”
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Developed by Professor CHOI Jeong-soo of the Department of Robotics Engineering… Poised to Set a New Standard for Healthcare Robots AI Robot “SEGYM” Without Weight Plates Achieves Electronic Control of Up to 380 kg A Successful Model of Faculty Entrepreneurship at YU… Emerging as a Global Player Just Three Years After Founding [December 8, 2025] <The CES Innovation Award–winning product is HUMANICS’ cutting-edge AI fitness robot, “SEGYM.”> HUMANICS Co., Ltd., an AI healthcare robotics company founded by Professor CHOI Jeong-soo of the Department of Robotics Engineering at Yeungnam University (YU) (President CHOI Oe-chool), has won an Innovation Award in the Robotics category at CES 2026, the world’s largest information technology (IT) and consumer electronics exhibition. This marks the company’s second consecutive win, following its Innovation Award in the Fitness category at CES 2025, underscoring once again the global technological competitiveness of a university faculty–founded startup. The CES Innovation Awards are presented annually by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) to the most innovative technologies and products exhibited at CES, which is held each year in Las Vegas, USA. Winners are selected through a comprehensive evaluation of technological excellence, design, and innovation. The award-winning product is HUMANICS’ advanced AI fitness robot, “SEGYM.” Instead of conventional heavy metal weight plates, SEGYM utilizes high-performance motors to electronically control loads of up to 380 kg (based on the super-strong model). Users can precisely adjust the weight in 1 kg increments with a simple button touch, and a single machine enables more than 80 different exercises, including deadlifts, bench presses, and squats. A key factor behind this award is HUMANICS’ proprietary “sensorless (force estimation) algorithm” and “human-in-the-loop” control technology. These technologies enable the system to detect a user’s force and intent in real time at 1 ms (one-thousandth of a second) intervals without the need for physical sensors, thereby delivering responsive and adaptive resistance. This allows multiple training modes—such as isometric and isokinetic exercises—to be performed safely within a single system. In addition, the solution is integrated with HUMANICS’ dedicated app, “HUMANIA,” which provides precise analysis of body performance metrics such as strength, speed, and balance. The system has been adopted in elite sports settings, including the Jincheon National Training Center and the SSG Landers, where it has demonstrated its excellence by contributing to performance enhancement and injury prevention. <Professor CHOI Jeong-soo of the Department of Robotics Engineering at YU> Professor CHOI Jeong-soo, a faculty member of the Department of Robotics Engineering at YU and CEO of HUMANICS, stated, “SEGYM is a product that completely redefines the exercise experience by integrating hardware, data, and coaching into a single platform.” He added, “Building on the technological credibility validated by the CES Innovation Award, SEGYM will become a new standard in the global fitness market.” Professor CHOI, who joined YU’s Department of Robotics Engineering in March 2019, is recognized as one of Korea’s leading emerging scientists in robotics research. He received the Presidential Award at the Korea Invention Patent Exhibition in 2017 for his patent on a multi-legged locomotion robot, and the Korean Iron Man robot “WalkON Suit 4,” in whose development he directly participated, won a gold medal at the Cybathlon 2020, achieving world-class recognition. HUMANICS, which he founded in 2022 based on the research outcomes of YU’s Department of Robotics Engineering, has, within just three years of its establishment, won CES Innovation Awards for two consecutive years and received multiple honors, including the G-Star Award (Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do Award), selection for the TIPS R&D Global Track, and designation as a Korea Technology Finance Corporation (KOTEC) U-TECH Valley company. As such, HUMANICS is widely regarded as a successful model of industry–academia cooperation driven by faculty entrepreneurship.
- PR team
- 2025. 12. 29
- 2025. 12. 08
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