Agilent and Chungnam National University to Establish Open Biopharma Research Hub in South Korea

Agilent and Chungnam National University to Establish Open Biopharma Research Hub in South Korea

New facility drives biopharma-focused collaboration with local startups, academia, and public research institutions to boost regional innovation

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) recently announced a strategic partnership with Chungnam National University (CNU) to establish an Open Biopharma Research Hub for CNU-Agilent (ORCA) focused on building local research capabilities. Under this five-year collaboration, the hub will deliver world-class analytical infrastructure for translational research and talent development to advance the Korean biopharma ecosystem and beyond.

The new facility, spanning 2,300 square feet, will be housed at CNU's campus in Daejeon and equipped with Agilent's complete workflow solutions, such as Infinity III LC portfolio, LC/MS systems, Bravo platform, Flow Cytometer systems, and ProteoAnalyzer system for developing efficient analytical methods. In addition to training, technology transfer, and regulatory guidance, this collaboration will open pathways for pilot projects with local startups, academia, and public research institutions.

As one of South Korea's fastest-growing industries, biopharma is set to play a vital role in advancing population health. Strengthening this momentum, ORCA serves as a collaborative space to increase access to an integrated biopharma platform for local scientists, enabling researchers with next-generation tools to characterize biologic compounds, analyze complex biotherapeutic molecules, and monitor critical quality attributes, including purity and potency.

"The establishment of the ORCA at Chungnam National University represents a transformative milestone in advancing Korea's biopharma ecosystem," said Jeong-Kyoum Kim, President of CNU. "Guided by our signature 'Industry on Campus' strategy, this collaboration combines Agilent's advanced analytical technologies with CNU's academic and research excellence to create an open platform for startups, academia, and public institutions. Together, we will accelerate innovation, expand scientific capabilities, and nurture next-generation talent, while driving regional growth and delivering real societal impact."

"This partnership reflects our commitment to deepen investment, raise R&D capabilities and deliver advanced analytical solutions locally and regionally. At Agilent, we understand the importance our academic partners place on translational research for societal impact, and we are committed to empowering their efforts by delivering trusted insights and enabling superior outcomes in support of their research work." said Jonah Kirkwood, Chief Commercial Officer at Agilent.

This open research hub is the second center established through a long-term partnership with CNU, including a GRAST-Agilent Research Collaboration Center focusing on glycomics in 2013, reflecting its shared commitment to bringing great science to life.

Since 1999, Agilent was established in South Korea and has grown to approximately 400 skilled scientists, engineers, and employees. This milestone marks Agilent's continued investment in key growth markets and its role in the development of scientific advancement in chemical analysis, life sciences and diagnostics solutions.