Heo Chae-jeong, CEO of HADD Science Leading the localization of biomaterials essential for new drug development, therapeutics, and medical diagnostics. Providing a safe 3D cell culture platform by innovatively gelling culture media.
HADD Science is a startup developing 3D culture platforms utilizing advanced biotechnology for applications such as organoids and cell therapy. CEO Heo Chae-jeong (48) founded the company in August 2024. CEO Heo introduced the company, stating, “We are developing bio-biomaterials in the emerging advanced biotechnology sector to localize biomaterials that form the foundation for new drug development, therapeutics, and medical diagnostics.” “The world is currently preparing for alternative animal testing methods. Once official legislation is enacted, new drugs, like cosmetics, will be able to be developed and sold without animal testing. To this end, 3D culture based on human tissues, similar to those that can replace animal testing, is gaining attention. HADD Science has launched its ADDGEL product, which provides a foundation for safely culturing cells in a 3D state by innovatively gelling the liquid culture media required for tissue culture, spheroid culture, and organoid culture.” Unlike existing products that contain tumor growth factors, ADDGEL allows cells to grow safely (Carcinogen Free). Most importantly, researchers can easily convert any culture medium they are currently using into a culture gel. This allows for easy 3D culture of desired cells without the need for special system setup, drawing significant attention from researchers. HADD Science, established last year, has promoted its products directly to customers at more than two academic conferences and provided samples for users to try. Several research institutions in Korea have already begun organoid culture using ADDGEL. CEO Heo stated, “Researchers highly appreciate the consistent customized technical support we provide to institutions that have partnered with HADD Science (HRP).” In addition to ADDGEL, HADD Science has business pipelines for neuro-enhancing cell therapeutics and diagnostics for neurodegenerative diseases. Several investment ACs and VCs have expressed interest in funding, recognizing the value of these pipelines. Starting this year, investments are also being made in a new ADDGEL-based dementia diagnostic business, which enhances dementia sensing efficacy through a contract with a large corporation. How did CEO Heo come to found the company? “Korea’s K-bio and K-medical fields are gradually gaining recognition on the global stage. However, most new drug development and advanced biotechnology industries still rely heavily on overseas biomaterials. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced the bitter reality of overseas products being delayed for months, facing shortages, and skyrocketing prices, which forced us to halt important research. This made us acutely aware of the urgent need to localize high-value advanced biomaterials. As I currently operate a lab at Sungkyunkwan University, I hope that domestic researchers will never have to experience such difficulties again. My goal is to supply high-quality advanced biomaterials with prompt delivery and competitive pricing. To continue my research while consistently encountering new research technologies at the university, I received significant support from the management team who joined me in commercialization. Additionally, I was able to start with funding from programs such as the Preliminary Startup Package, Deep Science Startup Activation Program, and IP Didimdol Project.” After founding the company, CEO Heo remarked, “While the commercialization process is challenging and difficult, seeing a product born from a personal idea, refined through countless trials and errors in the lab, being used by other researchers facing similar challenges and realizing its necessity, and then witnessing its sharing and expansion in the world, brings immense satisfaction and joy. This is the greatest reward of technology commercialization.” She added, “That joy will only grow as it spreads globally.” Regarding future plans, CEO Heo expressed, “We hope to become a prominent biomaterial not only domestically but also in cutting-edge bio-cell-based research fields internationally, such as stem cell and organoid research.” She added, “To achieve this, we will go wherever researchers gather to promote and sell our products.” “By collaborating with domestic pharmaceutical companies and corporations, we aim to accelerate the localization of new drugs and therapeutics utilizing ADDGEL, helping K-bio-medical become a global leader. Our goal is for HADD Science research institutes to be established worldwide, just as the Pasteur Institute is globally recognized.” HADD Science was selected for the Korean Women Entrepreneurs Association’s Preliminary Startup Package program, recognizing the value of its innovative item. The Preliminary Startup Package is a program that supports the successful commercialization of startups for aspiring entrepreneurs with novel ideas and technologies. Selected preliminary entrepreneurs receive commercialization funds, as well as education and mentoring necessary for the startup preparation and execution process.
Date of Establishment: August 2024
Main Business: Development of 3D culture platforms utilizing advanced biotechnology for organoids and cell therapy; development of technologies for neuro-enhancement, skin nerve regeneration, and brain nerve activation; development of early dementia diagnosis platform technology. Achievements: Selected for Preliminary Startup Package program in April 2024; selected for Deep Science Startup Activation Program in May; selected for IP Didimdol application program in August; first prototype production in September; signed investment cooperation with EAS Co., Ltd. in September; certified as a women-owned business in October; selected as a participating company in Jeonbuk Microbiome Bank in October; ADDGEL trademark acquisition in November, among others. View Original Article Reporter Lee Jin-ho jinho2323@hankyung.com