Promising ‘K-Beauty Tech’ Startup Emerges from Sungkyunkwan University’s Active Lab-Based Startup Scene
A promising startup in the ‘K-Beauty Tech’ field has attracted attention from Sungkyunkwan University, where lab-based entrepreneurship is thriving.
Mimetics (CEO Hyung-ki Park), which began as a student startup in 2019, was recently selected for the TIPS program.
To date, the company has completed four technology transfers at Sungkyunkwan University and filed over 30 domestic and international patents. The technology originates from the research lab of Professor Bang Chang-hyun (Department of Chemical and Polymer Engineering).
Mimetics developed a transdermal drug delivery patch that increases skin absorption by mimicking the adhesive structure of octopus suction cups. The biomimetic patch boosts absorption of cosmetic or medical substances by 5 to 6 times, helping maximize the effectiveness of various beauty and medical products.
Sungkyunkwan University’s Bridge Program has supported Mimetics’ growth based on this innovative technology.
The Bridge Program recognized that Professor Bang’s lab had elucidated the unique three-dimensional structure of octopus suction cups and developed a highly adhesive, removable patch material without chemical adhesives. To explore applications for this technology, the program convened a Creative Asset Verification Committee. The committee determined that the core technology—a transdermal drug delivery system—had strong commercialization potential in medical and beauty patch applications. After confirming Dr. Hyung-ki Park’s entrepreneurial commitment, the technology was designated as a “creative asset for technology-based startups.”
The program also supported overseas patent filings and prototyping. A prototype measuring approximately 7 cm × 4 cm was produced and tested on human skin, demonstrating enhanced delivery efficiency of active ingredients. Following this process, Mimetics requested an exclusive license, and a mutually satisfactory technology transfer agreement was concluded.
Commercialization support continued. By the end of 2023, the company successfully secured angel investment from a four-member advisory panel of dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Close collaboration with the panel has provided guidance on product planning, clinical support, customer feedback collection, product development direction, and dermatology network support.
The Bridge Program also assisted with overseas investor relations. Mimetics participated in ILS 2023 (Innovation Leaders Summit 2023) with the theme “Skin Care and Medical Solutions Using Biomimetic Technology,” discussing new business opportunities with global beauty companies such as Dior and Shiseido. Additionally, the company participated in CES 2024, gaining opportunities for collaborations to expand into overseas markets.
Reporter: Dong-hong Kim (khw090928@viva100.com)
