Uiseong-gun Selected for National Competition as "AI Natural Substance Analysis Base"

Establishing an Integrated R&D and Demonstration Hub for Natural Substances
Centered on Bio Valley

Uiseong-gun (Governor Kim Jusu) has ushered in a new chapter for the bioindustry in northern Gyeongbuk Province by being selected as the final candidate in the natural substance sector for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' "Green Bio Industry Development Zone" competition.

With this designation, Uiseong-gun will officially begin establishing an advanced AI-based natural substance analysis district centered around the Uiseong Bio Valley General Industrial Complex.

Uiseong-gun Selected for National AI Natural Substance Analysis Base Competition Establishing a Natural Substance R&D Demonstration Integrated Hub at the Center of the Bio Valley

The Green Bio Industry Development Zone is a national initiative that brings together the capabilities of local companies, universities and research institutes, demonstration infrastructure, and local governments, enabling regional authorities to build a comprehensive, full-cycle support system for businesses.

Uiseong-gun has been preparing a strategy to maximize industrial efficiency by integrating research personnel, equipment, and data-previously scattered across various institutions-into a single hub.

With this selection, the county will establish a system for discovering high-value-added natural substance materials based on AI and in silico technology.

This will enhance the accuracy and efficiency of material discovery, shorten development timelines, and minimize human error, thereby driving innovation throughout the natural substance industry. Furthermore, Uiseong-gun aims to secure a national-level AI natural substance analysis base that leads the agri-food sector.

With the designation as a development zone, Uiseong-gun has become eligible for various policy incentives, including: ▲the right to participate in infrastructure project competitions related to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; ▲additional points for support programs for companies within the zone; and ▲special provisions for shared property, among others.

As a result, the attraction of natural substance companies is expected to gain momentum, and a virtuous bio-ecosystem-connecting company clustering, research, demonstration, and commercialization-is set to be established in earnest.

This year's competition saw participation from 11 metropolitan governments nationwide, with 7 regions ultimately selected. Gyeongbuk Province drew attention by entering with a three-pronged specialized platform system: natural substances in Uiseong, Andong, and Sangju; veterinary pharmaceuticals in Pohang; and insects in Sangju and Yecheon.

Kim Jusu, Governor of Uiseong-gun, stated, "This selection is a recognition by the nation of Uiseong-gun's potential and preparedness," adding, "We will leap forward as Gyeongbuk's leading natural substance hub, where companies gather and innovation is born, centered on the AI-based natural substance analysis base." He further emphasized, "By strengthening cooperation among local governments, the central government, research institutes, and companies, we will lead the revitalization of the regional economy and the creation of future growth engines."

Uiseong-gun's ongoing bio and natural substance industry strategy has now secured an institutional foundation through this national competition, paving the way for a significant leap forward. In particular, the establishment of an integrated research hub based on AI analysis is expected to become a key pillar in enhancing the competitiveness of the regional bioindustry.

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