Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute to unveil 38 advanced technologies for commercialization

From an ultra-long-life battery that supplies power for years without external charging to an eco-friendly recycling technology that recovers key materials from spent batteries without generating liquid waste — advanced technologies developed by South Korean researchers are heading to the industrial sector.

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute announced Thursday that it will co-host the "2026 KAERI Innovation Technology Showcase (Tech Meet-Up Day)" with Gyeongju on Tuesday at the Hwabaek International Convention Center in Gyeongju.

The showcase was organized to help spread research achievements accumulated in the nuclear field into general industries — including batteries, automobiles, construction and electronic components — and to support companies in commercializing the technologies.

Held under the theme "Find the Technology You Need at KAERI," the event will present a total of 38 technologies with strong commercialization potential.

The technologies span four areas: radioactive waste treatment processes and equipment, radionuclide separation and removal, smart sensing and measurement and monitoring, and advanced materials, processes and resource circulation.

The most attention-grabbing technology is an ultra-long-life, high-output three-dimensional beta battery. It converts beta radiation emitted by radioisotopes into electrical energy, enabling long-term power supply without external charging.

Also on display will be an eco-friendly recycling technology for lithium secondary battery cathode materials that generates no liquid waste. The technology is expected to find use in the secondary battery resource-circulation industry by reducing the environmental burden created during spent battery recycling.

An integrated seismic isolation system that dampens both horizontal and vertical vibrations during earthquakes, as well as a bulk permanent magnet technology that can be manufactured in a short time, will also be unveiled. The two technologies illustrate how innovations developed in the nuclear field can extend into the construction, machinery and electronic components industries.

Beyond technology presentations, the institute will hold one-on-one consultations between companies and researchers. It plans to offer comprehensive support covering technology transfer, patent acquisition, corporate assistance and commercialization financing — all in one place.

Particularly notable is an "intellectual property sharing" program through which the institute will transfer patents it holds to companies at low cost. Companies that receive consultations at the event may apply for patent transfers through Nov. 30.

Follow-up support will also be provided to help companies succeed in commercialization after a technology transfer. Offerings include the "KAERI Family Company" program — which assigns a dedicated technology mentor and grants access to the institute's technology, equipment and facility infrastructure — along with assistance resolving technical challenges, technology advisory services and free technical consulting in the materials, parts and equipment sectors.

Financial support programs from sponsoring organizations, including the Korea Technology Finance Corporation, will also be introduced at the event.

The showcase places particular emphasis on boosting technology commercialization in Gyeongju, home to the Munmu Science Research Institute, and on strengthening regional cooperation. However, the benefits of technology transfer and corporate support will be available to participating companies from across the country, not just those based in Gyeongju.

"This showcase was prepared so that companies can enjoy benefits ranging from technology transfer to corporate support all at once," said Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute President Jeong Woo-sik. "Based on our cooperative partnership with Gyeongju, we will spare no effort in helping nuclear technologies flourish across diverse industrial settings."