Recognition for in silico- and AI-based development of food-grade materials for cultivated meat culture media

Next-generation culture medium technology ensures human safety and cost competitiveness, demonstrating strong commercialization potential

Professor CHOI In-ho continues momentum following selection as a “2025 Highly Cited Researcher”

[February 3, 2026]

<Professor CHOI In-ho of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Yeungnam University (Director, Cell Culture Research Institute)>

 Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) announced that the research team led by Professor CHOI In-ho of the Department of Biomedical Engineering (Director, Cell Culture Research Institute) has been selected in the Life and Marine Sciences category of the “2025 National R&D Top 100 Achievements,” an honor awarded by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT).

 Professor CHOI’s team attended the 2025 National R&D Top 100 Achievements Award Ceremony, held on January 30 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, where they received an official certificate and commemorative plaque presented in the name of the Minister of Science and ICT.

The National R&D Top 100 Achievements program annually selects and honors the top 100 projects from approximately 70,000 government-funded national R&D projects, following a comprehensive evaluation of excellence and societal and industrial impact. Around 1,000 projects recommended by relevant ministries undergo a rigorous review process before final selection.Launched in 2006, the program has become the government’s flagship initiative for recognizing outstanding research achievements and enhancing researchers’ professional pride.

The selected research was highly praised for addressing one of the key barriers to the commercialization of the cultivated meat industry—the high cost of cell culture media—through the development of culture media formulations based on food-grade materials. Using proprietary in silico and artificial intelligence (AI)-based analytical platforms, Professor CHOI’s team identified natural compound-based media additives capable of significantly improving culture efficiency. The research outcomes have been published in international academic journals, secured related patents, and successfully transferred to industry, demonstrating strong commercialization viability.The project was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and carried out through an industry–academia–research collaboration led by Professor CHOI In-ho, with participation from Professor HUH Sun-jin (Chung-Ang University), HAN Ki-soo, CEO of Neo Crema Co., Ltd., Dr. MOON Ik-jae of T-Ribose Co., Ltd., and Professor KIM Ji-hoe of Yeungnam University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering. The collaborative framework underscores the project’s significance as a successful model of cross-sector innovation.

Professor CHOI commented, “Following my selection as one of Elsevier and Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists (2025) and Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers (2025), it is especially meaningful to be recognized among the National R&D Top 100 Achievements.” He added, “This accomplishment is the result of the collective efforts of all participating researchers and industry partners. Moving forward, I will continue striving to link fundamental research with industry applications to contribute to the advancement of regional communities and the national bioindustry.”