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Busan Metropolitan City Launches First Recruitment of Resident Companies for Marine Science and Technology Industry–Academia–Research Cooperation Center to Foster Advanced Marine Industry Hub

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that, in advance of the opening of the Marine Science and Technology Industry–Academia–Research Cooperation Center (hereinafter referred to as “the Center”) in the second half of 2026 (scheduled for July), it will conduct an open recruitment of 21 companies for initial occupancy through March 21.

The Center, established within the marine cluster of the Dongsam Innovation District in Yeongdo, is the nation’s first industry–academia–research cooperation platform based on artificial intelligence (AI) and data in the marine and fisheries sector. It is jointly operated on consignment by Busan Techno Park and the Korea Maritime Institute. By leveraging the research and industrial infrastructure of the Dongsam Marine Cluster, the Center will provide one-stop support for corporate growth, from demand-driven R&BD to demonstration and technology commercialization.

R&BD refers to a concept that combines research and development (R&D) with business elements such as the development of business models for commercialization.

Eligible applicants are small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-sized companies in the fields of marine science and technology and marine and fisheries industries as defined under the Framework Act on Marine and Fisheries Development. Preference will be given to companies in advanced marine industries, such as marine AI data and marine deep-tech. The initial lease term is three years and may be extended up to seven years subject to performance evaluation.

In addition to office space, resident companies will be provided with various amenities, including industry–academia–research collaboration spaces (R&D labs), shared workspaces (coworking spaces and open lounges), meeting rooms, and seminar rooms.

In particular, advanced infrastructure such as a Marine and Port AI Transformation (AX) Demonstration Center is scheduled to be established in phases starting in 2027. This is expected to provide substantial support for technology development and commercialization by AI convergence companies.

Furthermore, the Center will operate systematic support programs to ensure the stable settlement and growth of resident companies, including joint R&D projects, technology development support, regular networking events, and linkage to collaborative projects.

This recruitment marks the first call for resident companies since the Center’s establishment. The application deadline is 6:00 p.m. on March 21. Application forms can be downloaded from the Busan Techno Park website (www.btp.or.kr), and submissions will be accepted by email only.

Busan Techno Park, the jointly commissioned operating institution, will form an evaluation committee to select the final resident companies in April through a two-stage process consisting of a document screening and a face-to-face evaluation.

Selected companies will begin moving in during June. Detailed information is available on the websites of Busan Metropolitan City and Busan Techno Park. Separate recruitment for one anchor company unit and 13 preliminary startup and startup units will be announced at a later date.

The application deadline is 6:00 p.m. on March 21. Applicants must download the application form from the Busan Techno Park website (www.btp.or.kr) and submit it by email to marine59p@btp.or.kr.

Busan Techno Park will organize an occupancy review committee and select the final resident companies in April through a first-stage document review and a second-stage face-to-face evaluation. Selected companies are scheduled to begin occupancy in June, and further details can be found on the websites of Busan Metropolitan City and Busan Techno Park. Recruitment for one anchor company unit and 13 preliminary startup and startup units will be conducted separately at a later date.

Cho Young-tae, Director General of the Marine and Fisheries Bureau of Busan Metropolitan City, stated, “Through this recruitment, we expect to accelerate the digital transformation of the marine industry, attract highly skilled research personnel to the region, and create new jobs. We will foster the Center as a leading hub for advanced marine industries so that Busan can leap forward as a global leader in marine science and technology innovation.” He added, “We look forward to the interest and participation of companies with outstanding technological capabilities and strong growth potential.”