Professor Kangwon Lee, who succeeded in startup by faculty last September,
"Started research for acquaintances suffering from kidney disease"

A medical device company born from a Seoul National University faculty startup has been selected for the government-led TIPS program, receiving support for research and development funding.

According to Seoul National University on the 29th, "THRDONEE," founded last September by Professor Kangwon Lee of the Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology through a faculty startup, was recently selected in the final round of the TIPS program hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

TIPS is a technology company nurturing program operated by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups since 2013. It selects startups with advanced technology and high growth potential and supports them in expanding globally. The program designates angel investors, early-stage venture capital, and large technology companies as operators to provide angel investment, incubation, mentoring, and matched R&D funds in a one-stop support scheme.

The Doni develops an in vitro diagnostic device that can be easily used at home by chronic kidney disease patients who need to control blood potassium ion levels during meals. Professor Lee said, "An acquaintance has a rare kidney disease with no available treatment, so I wanted to create a device that could help patients as much as possible." He added, "I started the research four years ago and, with the help of the university’s technology holding company, took the step to start the business." He further mentioned, "We are currently beginning clinical research and aim to commercialize the product as the world's first by early 2023."

By being selected for the TIPS program, The Doni will receive 500 million KRW in government R&D funding and an additional 200 million KRW investment from Seoul National University's technology holding company, the TIPS operator. Moreover, through linked projects, it can receive up to 100 million KRW in startup commercialization funds.

Professor Lee stated, "Our goal is to develop this into a smart healthcare diagnostic device that can comprehensively check individual health status."

https://n.news.naver.com/article/009/0004830944