Entering the US market can be particularly challenging for early-stage biotechnology companies. Beginning in July, UNIST will launch a global mentoring program in partnership with Chicago-based life sciences innovation platform, Portal Innovations to help biotechnology and digital healthcare companies in Ulsan navigate the US market.

Supported by Ulsan City, the program builds on the memorandum of understanding signed by UNIST and Portal Innovations in May 2026. It will connect participating companies with experienced mentors, investor networks, and commercialization expertise in the United States. 

Each participating company will receive approximately four months of one-on-one online mentoring tailored to its stage of development. Dedicated mentors will advise on fundraising, clinical development, commercialization strategy, and market entry, while introducing companies to US startup support programs and investor networks. 

The first company selected for the program is Oprimed Inc., an AI healthcare startup developing generative AI and statistical digital twin technologies to support clinical development decision-making. Through the mentoring program, Oprimed Inc. will receive tailored guidance from international experts on clinical development, commercialization strategy, and expansion into global markets.

“Working with Portal Innovations marks an important step in helping Ulsan's biotechnology and digital healthcare companies compete internationally,” said Seungjae Baek, Dean of the Graduate School of Health Science and Technology at UNIST. “Together with Ulsan City, we will continue developing practical partnerships that help regional companies grow globally while strengthening Ulsan’s bio and digital healthcare sector.”

UNIST plans to expand similar international partnerships that provide regional companies with greater access to global expertise, investment opportunities, and commercialization networks.