[Brief Introduction of Seminar]

This session aims to analyze real-world case studies on resolving bottlenecks in AI-driven drug discovery and propose talent development strategies.

  - Analysis of the current reality: Early-stage drug discovery made possible by free and open-source AI stacks

  - Real-world pipeline applications of molecular modeling × AI

  - Integration with KHIDI’s AI drug discovery education initiatives and talent development programs

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[Brief Introduction of Speaker]

He earned a B.S. in Chemistry, an M.S. in Physical Chemistry, and a Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry from Soongsil University, establishing a deep academic foundation in quantum chemistry-based drug design. After contributing to the launch of the diabetes treatment “Dubie” as a Senior Researcher at Chong Kun Dang, he served as a Senior Researcher at Crystal Genomics and Deputy Director of the Molecular Design Research Institute before founding Paminogen in 2016. By developing LucyNet™, an AI- and quantum-integrated new drug design platform (with a database of 400 billion compounds), the company has secured a pipeline of 25 proprietary innovative new drugs and is currently conducting more than 30 joint research projects with industry, academia, and research institutes, as well as 11 government-funded projects. He received the Minister of SMEs and Startups Commendation in 2023 (one of the “Top 50 Outstanding Achievements in SME Technology Development R&D” in the Commercialization Growth Potential category) and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) President’s Commendation in 2022 (Award for Outstanding Experts in Linking Pharmaceutical Industry Innovation Achievements to Practical Application). He has also been selected for numerous government projects, including the BIG3 Corporate Demand-Driven AI R&D Project. As of April 2026, he is leading the KHIDI AI New Drug Development Training Program (2026, organized by AICADD) and a five-year project for the Rural Development Administration (2022–2026), and serves as an instructor for the AI New Drug Development Training Program at the Korea Drug Research Association (KDRA). 

[Brief Introduction of Seminar]

Drug discovery is a representative high-risk, high-cost field, requiring long development periods and substantial investment. With the recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, efforts are being made to alleviate bottlenecks in the drug development process by applying AI. However, the core bottleneck in drug discovery lies not only in the performance of algorithms themselves, but in establishing an “experimental virtuous cycle” — rapidly validating AI-predicted results through experiments and feeding the measured data back into the AI models.

XtalPi’s autonomous laboratory is at the forefront of this paradigm shift. By integrating AI-based molecular design, predictive modeling, and automated experimental platforms, it aims to transform traditional research processes into an autonomous, closed-loop discovery system. Examining such systems reveals how they enable rapid iteration between hypothesis generation, experimental validation, and data-driven learning, thereby enhancing efficiency, reproducibility, and scalability in pharmaceutical and chemical research.​ 

[Brief Introduction of Speaker]

With 24 years of research experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry at companies such as JW Pharmaceutical and Dong-A ST, I have witnessed the challenges of drug discovery through numerous cases of failure. I hold a successful case of overseas licensing-out to AbbVie in 2016, and since 2023, I have been working at the AI Drug Discovery Convergence Research Center of the Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association, conducting policy research on AI-driven drug discovery and proposing the adoption of AI drug development strategies to pharmaceutical companies. As one of the long-standing experts in computer-aided drug discovery in Korea, I am recognized as a Digital Molecular Designer. 

[Brief Introduction of Speaker]

The speaker is a principal researcher at the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), where he leads education programs in AI-driven drug discovery. He brings extensive experience and expertise across a wide range of biohealth fields, including technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, digital healthcare, and the senior-friendly industry. He holds a Fitness MBA from Sangmyung University, an M.S. and Ph.D. from Kyung Hee University, and a B.A. from Korea University. 

[Brief Introduction of Seminar]

Development of Next-Generation RNAi Therapeutics Using the SAMiRNA® Platform: Preclinical Achievements and Clinical Development Strategy for SRN001 

[Brief Introduction of Speaker]

Chief Scientific Officer, siRNAgen Therapeutics; Professor, Hanyang YK Intercollege, Hanyang University; Former Adjunct Professor, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University 

[Brief Introduction of Speaker]

(Education) Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Engineering, Korea University

(Experience) Pharmaceutical analytical method development and process development

 1. Team Leader, Process Development Team, KMEDIhub (Jan. 2026–Present)

 2. Quality Development Team, KMEDIhub (2020–2025)

 3. Postdoc researcher at The University of Tokyo (2016-2020)​ 

[Brief Introduction​ of Speaker] 

[EDUCATION]

Ph.D. in Science(Major : Aanlytical chemistry), Chosun University

[PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY / OVERVIEW]

Expertise: Quality testing standardization in the bio-health sector and practical operation of nationally and internationally accredited testing/inspection laboratories.

[WORK EXPERIENCE]

1. Vaccine Safety Technology Support Center (K-VCAST) (Nov 2022 – Present)

   Position: Head of Quality Testing Team

   - Biologics Quality Support : Managed and supported comprehensive lifecycle quality testing and inspection for vaccines and various biopharmaceuticals.

   - KOLAS Laboratory Operation : Served as the designated Technical Manager for KOLAS ISO/IEC 17025 

   - National Reference Standards : Led research as the Principal Investigator (PI) for the manufacturing, establishment, and stability evaluation of national reference standards for essential vaccines.

2. Jeonnam Bioindustry Foundation (JBF) - Nanobio Research Center (Nov 2010 – Oct 2022)

   Position: Senior Researcher

  - Process Standardization : Spearheaded standardization research on Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) processes to optimize manufacturing efficiency.

  - R&D : Advanced standardization research for functional food ingredients using physicochemical analysis and analytical method validation(MV).

3. Shimadzu Scientific Korea (Mar 2004 – Oct 2010)

   Position: Technical Engineer

  - Analytical Instrumentation Support : Provided technical support, installation, operation, and application development for advanced analytical instruments, including Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry systems.

  - Analytical Instrument Qualification(IQ/OQ/PQ) : Held formal qualifications and successfully executed Equipment Qualification processes (Installation, Operational, and Performance Qualifications) for pharmaceutical and bio-tech clients to ensure compliance.​ 

[Brief Introduction of Speaker] 

(Education) Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institue of Science and Technology

(Work experience) Chungbuk technopark Bio center (CBTP)

- Establishment of testbed for substantiation support of biopharmaceutical materials and parts (Nov. 2024 - Present)​ 

[Brief Introduction of Speaker] 

(Education)

- M.S. in Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University

(Professional Experience)

1. Xcell Therapeutics (Dec. 2024 – Present)

- Marketing Team Leader

- Product Strategy and Marketing for Cell Culture Media

2. Curable (Apr. 2022 – Sep. 2024)

- Strategic Planning Team Leader

- Business Planning, Sales & Marketing for LNP Formulation CMO

3. YoungIn Frontier (Jan. 2010 – Mar. 2022)

- Team Leader, Global Sales, Marketing & Strategic Planning

- Global Sales & Marketing of Research Antibodies and Life Science Research Products

(Areas of Expertise)

- Marketing of Life Science Research Products and Cell Culture Media

- Global Sales, Product Introduction, and Market Launch Strategy​ 

[Brief Introduction of Speaker]

[EDUCATION]

Bachelor of Engineering

(Major : Materials Science and Engineering), Seoul National University of Science & Technology 

[WORK EXPERIENCE]

1. Head of R&D Team, Furiogen Co., Ltd. (2022 - Present)

Development of Chromatography Resins for Biopharmaceutical Purification

2. Research Engineer, Advanced Development Group, LG Innotek

Development of Semiconductor Chips and Materials​