KHIDI Expands K-Bio’s U.S. East Coast Footprint with the “Boston Success Formula” (6.5.2026)

KHIDI Builds a Public-Private Partnership to Accelerate K-Bio’s Expansion into the U.S. Market

• Collaborating with KOTRA, Hallym University, SK Biopharmaceuticals, and the Korean American Society in Biotech and Pharmaceuticals (KASBP)

  
  

As Korea’s biohealth exports continue to reach record highs, the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) is strengthening public-private partnerships to accelerate the successful entry of promising Korean biotech startups into the U.S. market.

KHIDI announced the launch of the K-Bio Global Innovation LinX, a collaborative platform established in partnership with KOTRA, Hallym University’s Startup Support Center, SK Biopharmaceuticals, and the Korean American Society in Biotech and Pharmaceuticals (KASBP).

LinX combines “Link” with “X,” representing eXchange, eXpansion, and eXploration.

The initiative aims to provide comprehensive support throughout the entire market entry process, from local settlement and business development to marketing and investment attraction. Building upon the expertise and global networks developed by KHIDI USA, the successful Boston support model is now being expanded to key East Coast innovation hubs, including New Jersey.

Building on Boston’s Success

Over the past five years, KHIDI has successfully operated the C&D Incubation Center within Boston’s renowned biotech ecosystem at the CIC innovation campus. The center provides office space, networking opportunities, and market entry support for Korean biohealth companies seeking to establish a U.S. presence.

The program has contributed to several notable achievements by Korean biotech companies.

• Orum Therapeutics signed major licensing agreements with Bristol Myers Squibb for its ADC-targeted protein degrader platform and with Vertex Pharmaceuticals for its next-generation targeted protein degradation technology.

• Voronoi successfully out-licensed an anti-inflammatory drug candidate.

• Yuhan Corporation, driven by the success of its innovative cancer therapy Lazcluze (Lazertinib), surpassed KRW 2 trillion in annual revenue for the first time in its history.

Korean companies have also continued to strengthen their global business presence through major supply agreements and contract manufacturing partnerships, demonstrating the competitiveness of Korea’s biohealth industry.

Currently, the C&D Incubation Center supports 45 Korean small and medium-sized biohealth companies, including promising startups such as Portrai, Space LinTech, Protina, TC Novo Bioscience, Elysigen, and Calice. Leveraging the experience gained in Boston, KHIDI plans to expand its support services to companies entering the newly established SK Life Science office in New Jersey.

Lowering Barriers to the U.S. Market

Although the United States represents the world’s largest biohealth market and accounts for approximately 18% of Korea’s pharmaceutical exports, Korean companies often face significant challenges due to complex regulatory requirements and market entry barriers.

KHIDI plans to combine the expertise of its U.S. office with the newly established public-private partnership network to provide integrated support and reduce these barriers for Korean innovators.

Hyunchul Kim, President of KHIDI USA, stated:

“The expansion into New Jersey and the establishment of this collaborative platform have been made possible by the experience and networks we have built in Boston. By combining the proven support capabilities of KHIDI with the industry expertise of our partners and the successful business models of leading Korean companies, we will provide comprehensive support to help promising K-Bio startups grow into globally competitive companies across the United States.”