Jeonbuk National University (JBNU)'s Industry–University Collaboration in the photovoltaic sector was rated the most outstanding.

  On the 25th, JBNU announced that in the first‑year evaluation of the 'Photovoltaic Testbed Establishment Project', which was selected as a Ministry of Knowledge Economy (MKE) project last year and is currently underway, it received the highest grade among six project groups nationwide.

  The Testbed Project creates a testing environment to evaluate and demonstrate the performance, reliability, and commercial potential of components and new technology products developed by small and medium‑sized enterprises before market launch. There are three project groups each in the photovoltaic and wind power sectors, six project groups nationwide, and JBNU serves as the Honam regional hub center for the photovoltaic sector.

  JBNU was particularly evaluated by the MKE as demonstrating very excellent practical Industry–University Collaboration in areas such as technology transfer to companies, support for technical difficulties, and the cultivation of outstanding talent, and it will receive incentive support.

  The project, led by the New & Renewable Energy Materials Development Support Center located in the Buan New & Renewable Energy Complex, will receive a total of KRW 11.6 billion over three years. Its main focus is supporting all stages from corporate product development to performance evaluation and outdoor demonstration. Currently, seven types of performance‑evaluation equipment for wafers and modules—unique in the country—have been installed.

  Over the past year, using the photovoltaic cell/module fabrication and performance‑evaluation equipment established for 102 companies, the project provided 632 instances of technical support; delivered 53 on‑site technical guidance and consultations requested by companies; and produced 36 performance evaluation reports for photovoltaic materials (e.g., EVA sheets, Cu paste) commissioned by companies.

  In particular, by continuously holding training sessions and technical seminars to retrain 680 corporate technical personnel and forming R&D consortiums jointly with companies to actively support prototype production and technology development, it received favorable evaluations from the MKE.

  In addition, within one year of the project's start, it has conducted four paper presentations on photovoltaic R&D, achieved six patent registrations and applications, and has continuously built technical resources online and promoted related companies.

  Based on this highest evaluation from the MKE, the project group announced plans to establish a photovoltaic industry cluster centered on the Buan New & Renewable Energy Complex in coordination with Jeollabuk‑do.

  Kim Jong‑il, Center Director (Department of Science Studies), said, 'By establishing the demonstration and performance‑evaluation testbeds companies need through the Testbed Establishment Project, we provide a one‑stop service. We expect that making the Buan New & Renewable Energy Complex an international certification hub will promote the industrialization of companies' exports and accelerate the clustering of related firms.'

  He added, 'The photovoltaic testbed will be linked with the New & Renewable Energy site (20.3 km²) being developed by the MKE in Saemangeum to establish an internationally competitive photovoltaic testbed in Buan. By creating a New & Renewable Energy belt centered on Saemangeum and Buan, it will serve as a hub leading Korea's green industry.'