South Korea's First Cell Culture Food Tech Hub to Open in Uiseong

South Korea is set to take a significant step forward in food technology with the establishment of the nation’s first Cell Culture Food Tech Research Support Center in Uiseong-gun, North Gyeongsang Province. The project, backed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, will be housed within the Uiseong Bio Valley General Industrial Complex, reinforcing the region’s growing prominence in biotechnology and alternative food solutions.

Investment and Infrastructure for Food Innovation

The research center will span 2,663 square meters, with a total investment of 14.5 billion won ($10.8 million). The funding, which includes 5.2 billion won in state support, will be deployed over three years from 2025 to 2027. The facility will focus on corporate support, commercialization, and regulatory processes, providing:

• Mass cultivation equipment and prototype production facilities
• Safety evaluation and licensing assistance
• Infrastructure for full-cycle industrialization of cell culture foods

By integrating research, development, and commercial support, the center aims to create a stable foundation for startups and established food tech companies, accelerating advancements in alternative protein sources.

Positioning Uiseong as a Food Tech Hub

The decision to establish the research center in Uiseong aligns with North Gyeongsang Province’s broader strategy to become a leader in food technology and sustainable food solutions. In 2023, Uiseong-gun was designated a special regulatory zone for cell culture food by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, ensuring streamlined pathways for research and industrialization.

Moreover, the province is preparing to expand its cell culture food ecosystem by establishing a medium production plant—a critical component for cell cultivation—within the Uiseong Bio Valley General Industrial Complex. This addition will further support downstream industries, including cell culture materials and equipment manufacturing.

To strengthen its global competitiveness, North Gyeongsang Province will also support joint research and investment for startups, foster international collaborations, and launch consumer awareness initiatives aimed at normalizing and popularizing cell culture foods.

Expanding Food Tech Leadership Beyond Cell Culture

North Gyeongsang Province is not only advancing in cell culture food technology but is also making strides in food robotics. Pohang, another key city in the province, was selected last year as a research hub for food robotics, securing a 15.5 billion won ($11.5 million) investment for a dedicated Food Tech Research Support Center in Heunghae-eup.

Pohang’s project is part of a larger national initiative to boost food tech R&D, with similar centers being established in:

• Iksan, Jeollabuk-do (Alternative Foods)
• Naju, Jeollanam-do (Food Upcycling)
• Chuncheon and Gwacheon (Food Customization)

North Gyeongsang Province Governor Lee Chul-woo emphasized the transformative potential of cell culture food technology, calling it "an innovative solution for the sustainable future food industry." He added that the Uiseong Food Tech Research Support Center will serve as a cornerstone in making the province a leading force in Korea’s food tech sector.