Carbon Neutrality Institute Tapped for Deep Tech Value-up, Teams Up with LG Science Park

Carbon Neutrality Research Institute Selected for MSS's 'Deep Tech Value-Up'… Leading Innovation in 'Product Carbon Footprint' with LG Sciencepark The Carbon Neutrality Research Institute has been finally selected for the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' core support program, 'Deep Tech Value-Up,' taking a significant step towards a sustainable future by joining hands with LG Sciencepark. This collaboration is expected to present innovative solutions in the field of 'Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) calculation,' which has emerged as an essential element in the ESG era. 'Deep Tech Value-Up' is a strategic program established by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups to promote open innovation between top domestic venture/startups and global large corporations. This year, major domestic corporations such as Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Hyundai Motor Company, and LG Sciencepark participated extensively, and based on the demand from large corporations and recommendations from Centers for Creative Economy & Innovation, approximately 50 startups were selected, receiving up to 200 million won in collaborative funds for technology optimization and global market entry. The Carbon Neutrality Research Institute and LG Sciencepark have set 'Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) calculation' as the core task of this collaborative project. This aims to proactively respond to increasingly stringent global ESG regulations and market demands by establishing a system to quantify and verify carbon emissions generated throughout the entire product production process. In reality, in major countries worldwide such as the EU, the US, Korea, and China, the demand for calculating carbon emissions throughout the entire product lifecycle is rapidly increasing, with growing instances where PCF information is specified as a mandatory condition for bidding in the raw material procurement process. However, many companies still lack internal response capabilities for these complex and multifaceted environmental demands, making an accurate current situation diagnosis and the establishment of practical strategies urgent. Through this project, the Carbon Neutrality Research Institute will meticulously analyze PCF data and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) related requirements from global corporations, and jointly design with LG Sciencepark a response process that can be immediately applied in corporate settings. In particular, beyond simple information exchange, it will proceed by actively testing actual Proof of Concept (PoC) and Digital Transformation (DX) possibilities, and its achievements are expected to expand into various industrial sectors in the future. Lee Min, CEO of the Carbon Neutrality Research Institute, stated, "Participation in this project will be an important bridgehead for the Carbon Neutrality Research Institute to secure verification opportunities based on the actual demands of large corporations and further enhance its unique technological capabilities and credibility in the LCA field." He added, "Building on the success of this collaboration, we plan to expand our business area into a comprehensive solution that supports LCA responses across the global supply chain."