SEOUL, KOREA – Setting their sights on the bio market, Korean semiconductor producers rolled up their sleeves to leverage their semiconductor technologies in developing automated equipment for In vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests.
Advanced Technology Inc (ATI), specializing in manufacturing semiconductor optical inspectors, last year signed up to become a member of the Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization (KBIO).
Before joining the KBIO, the ATI has successfully developed nanoliter-to-microliter liquid dispensers and fluorescent microscopes that automatically decipher drug tests. These products, which boast more advanced technologies than their counterparts developed by foreign rivals, are available at half the prices of their foreign rivals.
MiCoBioMed, founded in 2009 as a joint venture of KoMiCo and government-owned BT-based Korea research institute Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB), has also unveiled equipment for In vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests. Its “Veri-Q Multi” that measures the level of hemoglobin, blood sugar and cholesterol is selling in both domestic and overseas markets.
K-MAC (Korea Materials & Analysis Corp.) has shifted its main business from semiconductors to molecular diagnosis. K-MAC has developed next-generation molecular diagnosis technologies and optimum platforms by converging its real-time PCR technology and DNA chip technology, therefore winning Frost & Sullivan 2012 Asia Pacific Technology Innovation Award in 2012.
Sean Chung (hbpark@etnews.com)
**Article provided by etnews [Korea IT News]
[Reference] : http://english.etnews.com/electronics/2715655_1303.html
