Tartu, South Korea strengthening ties in business, science

TALLINN - The City of Tartu and Sparkup Tartu Science Park have signed cooperation memorandums with South Korea's Gangwon Province and its technology park to create new opportunities for business and scientific cooperation between the two countries and regions.

"Delegations from Gangwon Province visited Tartu three times last year to learn about Estonia's successes in healthcare and information technology and to explore cooperation opportunities in technology and innovation," said Roomer Tarajev, head of the City of Tartu business development department.

At the beginning of March, Tarajev and Andrus Kurvits, a board member of Sparkup Tartu Science Park, visited Gangwon Province to discuss the implementation of the cooperation memorandums. During the meetings, they gained insight into the operations of Gangwon Technopark and exchanged ideas on fostering collaboration between businesses in both regions. At the meeting with local businesses, Tartu's business landscape, Sparkup Tartu Science Park’s existing business development programs, and available opportunities were introduced.

"Over the next four years, Sparkup Tartu Science Park, together with the Estonian Health Economy Association, the University of Tartu, and Civitta Estonia, will lead the development of health technology and services. We discussed Gangwon-based companies' interests and opportunities to participate in this program," Kurvits said.

Heo Jang-hyun, CEO of Gangwon Technopark, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming cooperation.

"Tartu is a hub for science and technology, with outstanding expertise in e-governance and data utilization, making it a valuable partner for Gangwon's strategic industries. We aim to strengthen cooperation to advance key industries in both regions, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and create new opportunities for researchers," he said

Additionally, Gangwon-based company Geomexsoft Ltd and Tartu University Hospital signed a two-year project agreement on Thursday to pilot an artificial intelligence solution designed to prevent and detect fall-risk situations, sending electronic alerts to hospital staff. The Estonian Business and Innovation Agency will also take its first practical steps this year to help Estonian health technology companies enter the South Korean market.