At the core of CIC’s mission lies a commitment to fostering global innovation. This was recently underscored at Medical Korea Night, an event sponsored by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Boston at Venture Café Cambridge. The gathering celebrated cutting-edge advancements from Korean healthcare companies and highlighted the pivotal role CIC and KHIDI play in helping these innovators enter and expand within the U.S. market.
With nearly two decades in the U.S., KHIDI has led the charge in supporting Korean healthcare enterprises across biotechnology, biopharma, medical devices, and wellness industries. Its U.S. headquarters connects companies with invaluable resources, industry experts, and networking opportunities—all situated within CIC Cambridge in Kendall Square.
Kendall Square is one of the best biotech ecosystems in the world, and CIC is at the center of it all.” — Soonmahn Park, Chief Representative, KHIDI
Forging Connections at CIC Cambridge in Kendall Square
The innovation-driven community at CIC’s Kendall Square campus offers companies flexible workspaces, dynamic programming, and access to a robust network of potential collaborators. Serving as KHIDI’s U.S. home base, CIC has become a strategic launching pad for Korean startups aiming to make a global impact. Located on CIC Cambridge’s 14th floor, KHIDI’s Korea Bio Innovation Center serves as a coworking space for seventeen emerging Korean companies, while others occupy dedicated spaces throughout the CIC building.
Medical Korea Night brought together an impressive roster of these innovative companies, showcasing their contributions to healthcare and biotech:
- Medipixel: Pioneering AI-driven medical imaging.
- Portrai: Creating AI-powered solutions for personalized medicine.
- Dong-A ST: Leading advancements in biopharmaceuticals.
- Target Health: Transforming clinical trial processes.
- LOTTE BIOLOGICS USA: Specializing in biopharmaceutical production.
- MoDoc AI: Innovating in AI-based telemedicine.
- PROTEINA CO., LTD.: Developing protein-based therapies.
- Huons USA: Improving drug delivery systems.
- Corestemchemon US: Advancing stem cell therapies.
- Yuhan USA: Focusing on treatments for global diseases.
- CJ CheilJedang: Enhancing functional food and wellness.
The event also introduced and highlighted organizations that have fueled the success of Korean-led innovation in Massachusetts’ biosciences and healthcare sectors:
- New England Korean Society of Medicine: Dedicated to creating a collaborative platform for physicians of Korean heritage in New England to connect.
- Korean American Society in Biotech and Pharmaceuticals: A Korean-American professional community in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
- New England Bioscience Society: A non-profit, officially registered organization of Korean scientists in life sciences and biotechnology in MA.
- Korean American Bio Industry Council: A group of Korean professionals working in the bioscience, health, and medical industries in Boston and Massachusetts, US.
KHIDI and CIC: Building a Global Innovation Ecosystem
KHIDI’s support goes beyond logistics. “Our mission is to provide a welcoming, connected environment,” notes Park, reflecting KHIDI’s belief that CIC’s collaborative spaces help ease the transition into the U.S. market for Korean startups. KHIDI staff actively encourage these companies to participate in CIC’s offerings, from morning breakfasts and Venture Café’s Thursday Gatherings to weekly innovation talks. Each interaction opens doors for Korean companies to gain insights, practice English, and make impactful connections that extend beyond business.
“Our companies have even found business partners at CIC.” — Minji Kwon, Researcher, KHIDI
A Vision for the Future
KHIDI selected CIC Cambridge as its U.S. headquarters to provide a supportive foundation for Korean companies to succeed on a global stage. Events like Medical Korea Night spotlight the innovation happening within CIC, creating a platform where international connections flourish. For any company looking to make its mark in the U.S., CIC and KHIDI offer a bridge—a gateway to new opportunities in the thriving hub of Kendall Square.
Interested in experiencing this environment yourself? Attend an event at CIC and connect with a global network of innovators.
