The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 16th that it has secured a foreign direct investment (FDI) of approximately $11 million (KRW 15 billion) from Intuitive Surgical, the global leader in robotic surgery.

On the same day, the city signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at City Hall, covering the expanded investment and plans for new job creation. The signing ceremony was attended by Joo Yong-tae, Director General of Seoul’s Economic Policy Office, Glenn Vavoso, Senior Vice President and Head of Asia at Intuitive Surgical, along with about ten other participants.

Intuitive Surgical is a pioneer in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery, utilizing advanced robotic systems to perform procedures through small incisions. In 2017, the company signed an agreement with the city of Seoul to invest USD 7.3 million (KRW 10 billion) to establish a Surgical Innovation Center, aimed at developing robotic surgery techniques and training specialized medical professionals.

Seoul designated the Intuitive Surgical Surgical Innovation Center, located in the DMC Advanced Industry Center, as Korea’s first “service-type foreign investment zone.” In partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the city supported part of the center’s rent for five years (2017–2022).

The center has trained both domestic and international healthcare professionals using the Da Vinci surgical robot and contributed to the local economy through USD 7.3 million (KRW 10 billion) in FDI and the creation of 149 jobs.

As of the end of 2024, a total of 2,268 medical professionals, including doctors and nurses from Korea and abroad, have received robotic surgery training at the center. Additionally, Intuitive Surgical donated a surgical robot system to the Seoul Robot and AI Science Museum, which opened in August 2023, offering visitors a hands-on experience with surgical robotics as part of the company’s ongoing community engagement.

To support the company’s continued operations, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to extend the center’s tenancy from 2027 to 2032. If Intuitive Surgical launches new projects such as R&D initiatives, the city will collaborate with the national government to provide incentives under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act and other relevant regulations.

Glenn Vavoso, Senior Vice President and Head of Asia at Intuitive Surgical, stated, “We are pleased to collaborate with the Seoul Metropolitan Government once again in a meaningful way. Through this MOU, we aim to create quality jobs and support Seoul’s continued development. Intuitive is committed to advancing innovative medical technologies in Korea and expanding our global leadership in robotic-assisted surgery.”

Joo Yong-tae, Director General of Seoul’s Economic Policy Office, added, “This agreement further demonstrates the stability and global competitiveness of Seoul’s economy. We deeply appreciate Intuitive Surgical’s decision to expand its investment, and we will continue to actively attract global companies in fields such as quantum, AI, and robotics to help Seoul become one of the world’s top five cities.”