Pohang Soars as a Global High-Tech Hub with Bio and AI as Twin Engines

ANPoly, the First Achievement of the Bio Specialized Complex, Completed
Annual Production of 1,000 Tons of Nanocellulose
Full-Scale Bid to Host the APEC AI Center, Aiming for a Core Strategic Hub

Pohang City is making bold moves to seize leadership in the future core strategic industries of advanced bio-materials and artificial intelligence (AI).

Following the completion of a large-scale production facility by an eco-friendly new materials company, the city is now actively pursuing the bid to host an international organization that will oversee AI policy for the Asia-Pacific region, further solidifying its position as a 'global cutting-edge city.'

Pohang City held the completion ceremony for the headquarters and factory of AN Poly Co., Ltd., an eco-friendly new material specialist company, on the 9th at the Pohang Convergence Technology Industrial Complex in Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu. Provided by Pohang City

On April 9, Pohang City announced that it would hold a completion ceremony for the headquarters and factory of ANPoly Co., Ltd., an eco-friendly new material specialized company, at the Pohang Convergence Technology Industrial Complex in Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu.

The new factory, built on a site of 4,400 square meters, is equipped with facilities capable of producing more than 1,000 tons of nanocellulose annually.

Nanocellulose is extracted from plant resources such as wood or rice husks. It is stronger and lighter than steel and is biodegradable, making it a highly strategic material that has attracted attention as a 'plastic alternative' and a 'secondary battery material.'

Anticipated synergy as a specialized cluster: The significance is heightened as this is the first company to be completed since Pohang was designated as a 'National High-Tech Strategic Industry Bio Specialized Complex.'

ANPoly has been recognized for its world-class technology, such as winning the 'CES 2024 Innovation Award' with its unique rice husk-based extraction technology, and is expected to play a leading role in the region's bio ecosystem going forward.

On the same day, Pohang City also officially announced its intention to attract the permanent international organization 'APEC AI Center,' which will oversee AI cooperation and policy in the Asia-Pacific region, and has begun earnest efforts toward this goal.

'Asia-Pacific AI Center Pohang Attraction Vision Proclamation Ceremony' held last December. Photo courtesy of Pohang City

A prepared base for an international organization: Pohang City has more than 25 years of stable experience operating the Asia Pacific Center for Theoretical Physics (APCTP) since 1996.

In particular, 12 of the APCTP member countries are also APEC member states, which is evaluated as a very strong foundation for international cooperation.

Pohang-style AI development cooperation (ODA) model: The city is proposing an AI development model inspired by the Saemaul Undong movement, moving beyond mere technology sharing by dispatching researchers to member countries with insufficient AI capabilities and supporting them with idle GPUs and other digital equipment.

Robust infrastructure: Excellent educational and research institutions such as POSTECH, Handong Global University, and the Apple Developer Academy, alongside a solid industrial base for AI demonstration in fields like steel and secondary batteries, are cited as reasons why Pohang is the optimal location for the establishment of the APEC AI Center.

Pohang City plans to use the completion of ANPoly and its efforts to attract the AI Center as a springboard to make bio-materials and AI new growth engines for the local economy.

Lee Sangyeob, Director of Job and Economy at Pohang City, emphasized, "We will help ANPoly, the first fruit of the bio-specialized complex, grow into a global unicorn, and will ensure that we attract the APEC AI Center to establish Pohang as a global hub for AI cooperation and shared prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.