JBNU has several collaborations with Jeonju. Jeonju Harmony Partnership, which is a new column in The JBNU Globe, will introduce local partnerships between JBNU and Jeonju. The first partnership featured in this column is JBNU LINC 3.0’s family company group partnership. Before the partner company is introduced, let’s take a look at JBNU LINC 3.0 and its collaboration with Jeonju!
● JBNU LINC 3.0: Developing Cooperation
What is JBNU LINC 3.0 (Leaders in INdustry-university Cooperation 3.0) and what do they do? JBNU LINC 3.0 is a university support project whose aim is to create an ecosystem where universities and industries within Jeollabuk-do and Jeonju coexist and develop concurrently. LINC 3.0 is working to build a foundation for the growth of small and medium sized enterprises through connections with the region. This organization began as a project hosted by the Ministry of Education on March 1st, 2022 and is expected to reach completion on February 29th, 2028. Their aim is to foster international exchange and cooperation, cultivate sustainable businesses, promote new industries, and train specialists who will be leaders in the future. LINC 3.0 divides their business model into four categories and runs programs that fit into those categories. The four strategic categories are Sharing & Cooperation and Smart & High Tech HRD, which aim to foster human talent alongside developing cutting-edge technology. Likewise, LINC 3.0 is building a strong technology-based startup environment that aligns with the five sustainable principles of ICC's Support and Strong Tech-Based Start-ups.
● Utilizing Family Company Program to Meet Company’s Needs
LINC 3.0 offers a partnership called “family company” program that provides various training, technical assistance, and consulting for companies’ operations at an affordable price. Due to a lack of workforce or resources, small and medium sized enterprises and local businesses may not be able to spare much attention to their weak areas. Therefore, this program offers support for the company's needs such as marketing, technical support, or new product development, either for free or for a fee. The program offers four memberships divided into Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers. Bronze has no annual fee, Silver owes fifty thousand won per year, Gold owes one million won per year, and Platinum owes three million won per year. All membership tiers can benefit from technical advisory, consulting, and employee training. Support for marketing design and participating in domestic exhibitions are available only to Silver, Gold, and Platinum members. Research activity and development product certification support are available to Gold and Platinum members. Additionally, the Platinum level will receive exclusive perks in goods production, for participation in overseas exhibitions, for special projects tailored to business requirements, etc.
● Melliens, as Partner of JBNU
The Melliens company joined as a partner company of LINC 3.0. Melliens is an abbreviation for “Most Efficient Low-Carbon Livestock Sapiens”. Professor Lee Hak-kyo from the Department of Animal Biotechnology at JBNU, and the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Melliens, stated “Melliens aims to participate in carbon reduction climate actions, which are the primary drivers against the climate crisis, and integrate them into industrialization.”. The company’s greatest achievement is the creation of the Locacow, a cattle breed developed by advanced genetic breeding and low-carbon animal science technology. Lee explained that the reasons for registering as a partner company are divided into three aspects. The first aspect is the cooperation between Melliens and JBNU LINC 3.0 supports the production of prototype products. Secondly, the partnership supports purpose-driven research and development for industrialization, enhancing the value of their business. Critical industrialization technologies are rapidly advancing in the market, which is why this research support is crucial. Lastly, the partnership enables networking with industrially relevant enterprises. Lee mentioned an example where Melliens received support from the partnership program.
“In February of 2023, JBNU LINC 3.0 provided an opportunity to promote and showcase our core technology to the global market. This opportunity was decisive in that our company was selected and supported to operate a promotional booth at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) held in Las Vegas, USA,” he said. He also expressed that the promotional booth at the exhibition venue has served as a catalyst for gaining recognition not only domestically but also globally. This has led to noticeable developments such as overseas exports and investments. Lee stressed that, “Melliens will enhance the contribution of the knowledge industry in Jeollabuk-do, foster active engagement for competent people in those industries, and assist in their development.”
JBNU LINC 3.0 was established for the mutual improvement of universities and local companies, and operates various programs at affordable prices. Additionally, the partnership program provides marketing, technical support, and various opportunities. If you are considering starting a business, receiving assistance or making partnerships, how about joining JBNU’s LINC 3.0 and enjoying immediate benefits?
| Park Hye-rin, Shin Mu-hyun Reporters