Mokpo National University Spin-off Q-Lab Raises $134,000 (KRW 200 Million) from Jeonnam CCEI

Q-Lab, a faculty-founded startup spun out of Mokpo National University, has secured approximately $134,000 (KRW 200 million) in investment from the Jeonnam Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (Jeonnam CCEI).

Founded by Hangyu Lim, a professor in the Department of Aquatic Life Medicine at Mokpo National University, Q-Lab specializes in microbiome-based eco-friendly feed additives designed to improve the health and growth efficiency of marine organisms. The company’s core technology was licensed from Mokpo National University’s Industry-Academia Cooperation Foundation, and has drawn attention for its strong commercial potential in the growing marine biotechnology sector.

Q-Lab built its foundation through a range of startup support programs, including the “MNU Faculty Startup Dream Project” run by the university’s Startup Innovation Hub Center under the RISE initiative, as well as Jeonnam CCEI’s Pre-Startup Package program. These programs helped the company refine its technology and sharpen its commercialization strategy.

The investment from Jeonnam CCEI was made through a direct investment process targeting companies with strong technological merit, solid business prospects, and high growth potential. The center cited Q-Lab’s proprietary microbiome-based marine growth-promoting feed additive technology — along with the broader market opportunity in sustainable aquaculture — as key factors behind the funding decision.

Q-Lab plans to deploy the capital toward advancing its core technology, developing and validating prototypes, and scaling its commercialization efforts.

“This investment is a springboard for us to strengthen our technological edge and grow into a globally competitive player in the marine biotech space,” said Hangyu Lim, CEO of Q-Lab.

Hacheol Song, President of Mokpo National University, said the university remains committed to expanding support for faculty-led startups and technology commercialization. “We will continue to promote technology-based entrepreneurship in alignment with regional industries, contributing to local economic development and the cultivation of regionally specialized sectors,” he said.