Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) officially launched its Global R&D Hub Center in Boston on April 14 (local time), marking a major milestone in the hospital’s strategy to advance international cooperation in cutting-edge biotechnology research and to accelerate technology commercialization.

The Boston office marks SNUH’s third office in the U.S., following its Los Angeles office, which opened in 2008, and its New York office in 2012. However, unlike the previous branches, which focused on clinical support, the Boston office is the hospital’s first overseas base dedicated solely to research and commercialization, reflecting a new direction for SNUH’s global expansion efforts.

Located within the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC Cambridge), SNUH plans to leverage its strategic location to forge global research partnerships and promote the overseas expansion of Korea’s biohealth technologies.

The Boston office was established as part of a specialized research institute initiative supported by Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare. The hospital expects that the Boston office will play a pivotal role as a “triangle hub,” linking research, industry, and talent.

The center will monitor global trends in advanced biotechnology, identify new R&D and business opportunities, facilitate joint research projects with leading institutions, support the development of physician-scientists and core research personnel, and assist in localizing Korean technologies and attracting U.S. investment for early-stage biotech startups.

In addition to supporting SNUH’s existing research initiatives, the Boston office will also conduct local surveys, build networks, and develop rapid commercialization strategies.

Ahead of the official launch, Seoul National University President and CEO Kim Young-tae met with Korean professors and students working at prominent institutions in the Boston area to highlight the office’s role in nurturing future physician-scientists who will drive Korea’s innovation agenda.

“The opening of the Boston office is a crucial step in accelerating the global presence of K-Bio,” SNUH President Kim said. “We will work closely with global and domestic partners to create viable commercialization strategies that will contribute to the advancement of Korea’s high-tech biotechnology sector.”