VSL Selected for Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ “Deep Tech Value-Up Program”
(Photo source: Yonhap News Agency)
VSL has been officially selected for the “Deep Tech Value-Up Program” led by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups in March 2025, earning recognition for both its technological capabilities and growth potential. The program aims to foster collaboration between promising tech-driven startups and large corporations to accelerate technology development and commercialization, ultimately helping companies gain global competitiveness.
Through this selection, VSL plans to collaborate with SK hynix in an open innovation initiative to develop customized vacuum simulation solutions and conduct a proof of concept (PoC). By integrating simulation automation and collaborative features, the company expects to significantly reduce the time and resources typically required for large-scale investments.
Kang Tae-wook, CEO of VSL, stated, “Sharing real-time simulation results enables smoother communication and faster decision-making. Optimization will enhance system efficiency and contribute greatly to shortening construction timelines.”
This project goes beyond simple technology development, focusing on establishing a commercialization foundation that allows VSL’s solutions to deliver tangible results in industrial settings. The technical reliability and validated performance secured through collaboration with SK hynix are expected to serve as a springboard for entering global markets.
CEO Kang added, “Through this program, we aim to secure technological credibility, build a solid foundation for commercialization, and position our solution as a competitive player in the global semiconductor and advanced manufacturing markets.”
VSL is also actively engaged in product development and research using AI technologies. The company is accelerating the development of new products such as automated piping design for maximum conductance and automatic pump capacity recommendation solutions. These innovations are expected to provide automated solutions for designing and configuring vacuum systems tailored to chambers and processes.