A South Korean delegation visits the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya to learn about the Fractus-UPC Deep Tech Hub

In an increasingly global and fast-changing world, collaboration between countries is key to driving innovation and responding to major technological challenges. With this idea in mind, a delegation from the innovation ecosystem of Gwangju, South Korea, met with representatives of the UPC and Fractus at the UPC Rectorate building.

The delegation included leading research institutes in science and technology, companies specialized in deep tech, and investment organizations focused on technology projects. During the meeting, they learned about the technology transfer projects carried out by the University and Fractus, especially within the framework of the Fractus-UPC Deep Tech Hub alliance.

The UPC and Fractus presented some of the research and innovation projects they are working on, as well as their experience in technology transfer and international partnerships. On behalf of the University, José Antonio Lázaro, professor at the Barcelona School of Telecommunications Engineering (ETSETB) and researcher at the Mobile Communications Research Group, presented 6GLabNet. This is an experimental autonomous network used to test and validate next-generation mobile communication technologies and services in real environments.

In addition, Isabel Pera Segarra, from the UPC International Relations Service, and Jordi Segarra Farnell, from the Technology Transfer Area, explained the University’s capabilities in innovation and in transferring technology and knowledge to society and industry.

On behalf of Fractus, Carmen Borja, Head of Technology and Intellectual Property, and Marta Barba, Marketing and Business Intelligence Director, explained the company’s background and expertise in intellectual property. They also highlighted Fractus’ active role as a driver of iinnovation.
Regarding the Fractus-UPC Deep Tech Hub, they explained how the Hub works to bring technologies developed at the University closer to the market. They also presented Next Frontier Founders, the acceleration and investment readiness programme that is currently looking for new start-ups and spin-offs to support during the 2026-2027 academic year.

The meeting, which also included Clara Vila González-Pinto from the Technology Transfer Area, provided an opportunity to discuss how to promote innovation and explore synergies and possible cooperation between Catalonia and South Korea. The discussion focused especially on areas such as photonics, sensors, information and communication technologies, and artificial intelligence.

A moment during the presentations of the technology transfer projects

The innovation ecosystem of the region of Gwangju

The members of the South Korean delegation came from the following public and private organizations:

• Gwangju TechnoPark (GJTP). A public organization that promotes local technology clusters, connects academic research with industry, and provides financial and logistical support for the internationalization of technology SMEs and start-ups.
• Korea Photonics Technology Institute (KOPTI). A leading research institute specialized in photonics and light technologies, key areas for the development of optical chips, sensors, and disruptive technologies.
• Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST). A university with research centers focused on applied research and industry needs in science and technology.
• GJ Technology Holdings. A corporate investment and acceleration organization focused on financing and supporting the transfer of technology from spin-offs in the Gwangju region to global markets.
• Techlink Partners, MPNICS Co., Ltd., Six Fiber Systems Inc., IMT Inc., and Break The Rules Inc. Technology SMEs and companies specialized in sectors such as optics, photonics, advanced materials, and telecommunications.