Merck Partners With KAIST To Advance Life Sciences, Tech, And R&D In Korea

Merck KGaA’s Life Science division, led by Chief Technology Officer Madden, is strengthening its focus on Korea as a strategic hub for innovation and growth, especially in semiconductors and life sciences, which are two sectors crucial to Korea's industrial future. At a recent Invest KOREA event, Madden emphasised how Merck’s vision aligns closely with Korea's goals, describing the collaboration as "hugely strategic" for both parties.

“When you look at Korea’s strategic priorities and the areas Merck is focusing on, there’s an almost perfect alignment. We’ve really been accelerating our footprint and investments here over the last decade," Madden told Korea Biomedical Review in an interview last Wednesday following her presentation in Seoul. "Korea is setting its sights on becoming the world’s top bio manufacturer by 2025," she said, referencing her observations at Invest KOREA. 

With a 30-year presence in Korea that now includes 13 sites and over 1,700 employees, Merck is expanding further. In May, the company launched the construction of a new bioprocessing facility in Daejeon with a €300 million investment. Set for completion in 2026, this facility will bolster biotech and pharmaceutical development across the Asia-Pacific region.

A key component of Merck’s commitment to Korea is its partnership with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in May. This collaboration provides KAIST researchers access to Merck products, global innovation programs, and a new Experience Lab. Merck also supports KAIST through scholarships and joint research projects, focusing on advanced fields such as cell and gene therapies, mRNA, antibody-drug conjugates, and innovative biology.

According to Madden, KAIST’s research focus aligns well with Merck’s strategic goals, enabling it to push market-leading solutions to significant scientific challenges. Merck is also exploring integrating biology with AI and digital technology, envisioning a future where biological systems could be programmable, much like software. 

Adding to its academic partnerships, Merck has launched the Merck-KAIST International Graduate Fellowship Program, offering two selected researchers €30,000 annually for three years. Merck also provides students and faculty opportunities to work in its global research labs. In addition to supporting KAIST researchers, Merck fosters startup growth at KAIST through mentorship and strategic advice, aiming to lay the foundation for future partnerships and collaborative R&D projects. 

“We see this partnership as a model for future collaborations. Our goal is to take what we’re doing with KAIST and replicate them not only in the U.S., possibly in Boston but also in other regions around the globe. KAIST was a natural fit for us. It’s exactly the kind of partnership we hope to establish across the globe. Korea’s stability, both economically and geographically, encourages companies like ours to make long-term investments," said Madden.

Madden added that Merck’s presence in Korea positions the company to stay intimately connected with its customers, not just within the country but also with the leading manufacturing giants of China and Japan. This proximity, Madden pointed out, is strategically critical.