Seoul Bio Hub and Samsung Bioepis Launch First Open Innovation Program

Up to Two Startups to Be Selected in Antibody, Peptide, and AI-Driven Drug Development Fields

Seoul Bio Hub, in collaboration with Samsung Bioepis, has launched the "2026 Seoul Bio Hub–Samsung Bioepis Open Innovation Program" and began accepting applications from startups on May 13. This marks the first jointly operated program between the two organizations.

Seoul Bio Hub is a bio startup support hub established by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and jointly operated by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and Korea University. This program is conducted as part of the "C-Lab Outside" initiative, Samsung Bioepis’s external startup incubation program. C-Lab Outside, which began at Samsung Electronics in 2018, has now expanded its external startup incubation efforts into the bio sector.

The program is open to bio and medical companies that have been established for less than eight years as of the announcement date, with up to two companies to be selected. The recruitment fields are: ▲core technologies for antibody-based therapeutics, ▲peptide-based therapeutic technologies, and ▲AI-driven new drug development platforms. Specific areas include bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) platforms, new payload and linker technologies, AI-based antibody and target discovery, and peptide therapeutic development technologies.

Selected companies will be provided with a step-by-step program for approximately one year. Benefits include regular meetings with Samsung Bioepis, proof-of-concept (PoC) technology validation, customized acceleration, and support for residency and rent at Seoul Bio Hub. Upon completion of the program, a final assessment will be conducted to consider follow-up collaborations such as joint research, technology transfer, joint commercialization, and strategic investment.

A representative from Seoul Bio Hub stated, "Through open innovation with global big pharma and leading domestic corporations, we have previously achieved outcomes such as attracting investment, conducting joint research, and entering global markets. We believe this program will also provide opportunities for domestic bio startups to commercialize their businesses and form strategic partnerships."

The application deadline is 2:00 p.m. on June 12. Details on how to apply can be found on the Seoul Bio Hub website.