Vidal Sonics Inc., a biotech startup affiliated with UNIST, has been awarded the Grand Prize at the 2025 R&D Special Zone Tech Startup Investment Competition for S&T Specialized Universities. This achievement marks a significant milestone just two years after its founding, showcasing promising advancements in the field of medical imaging through innovative photoacoustic technology.
Founded in August 2023 by Professor Joon-Mo Yang of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vidal Sonics is developing medical devices, such as clinical endoscopes and catheters that integrate combined light and sound-based photoacoustic imaging with ultrasound technology. This non-invasive internal imaging technique is considered a next-generation solution for medical diagnostics.
The competition was organized by the Korea Innovation Foundation (INNOPOLIS) and co-hosted by the Mirae Holdings Ltd. Held on September 9 at the Daedeok Tech-Biz Center (TBC) in Daejeon, the event brought together five leading science and technology specialized universities across Korea—including UNIST, KAIST, GIST, DGIST, and POSTECH—as well as Korea Development Bank (KDB). The goal was to identify promising deep-tech startups in strategic technological fields.
Professor Joon-Mo Yang (Center) took a commemorative photo at the award presentation ceremony. l Image Credit: INNOPOLIS
Out of numerous applicants, six teams advanced to the final round after preliminary and final presentations, competing at a ratio of 4.5 to 1. Vidal Sonics presented on ‘Development of an Integrated Photoacoustic and Ultrasonic Mini-Probe System.’ The team secured the top award, earning the Grand Prize from Director of INNOPOLIS, along with a prize of 5 million KRW.
Recognized for its innovative potential, Vidal Sonics is set to receive up to approximately 1 billion KRW in direct investment, along with support programs including public technology commercialization accelerators, global expansion assistance, and mentorship.
Photographs of photoacoustic and ultrasonic endoscopy system developed by Vidal Sonic. l Image Credit: Professor Joon-Mo Yang
Professor Yang commented, “It was meaningful just to reach the finals among highly competitive startups. We will carry the responsibility of this recognition and strive for excellence with our team.” He added, “Given the dominance of foreign companies in the medical device market, we aim to build a robust patent portfolio that not only increases patent counts but also emphasizes the strength and scope of our technological rights.”
Youngsik Kim, Director of the Office of University-Industry Cooperation at UNIST, stated, “This award further demonstrates UNIST’s strength in deep-tech entrepreneurship, and we will enhance our support processes to help early-stage startups grow rapidly.”
Additionally, Vidal Sonics secured 200 million KRW in investment just one month after its founding and was selected for the TIPS Program from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS). The company has also established clinical networks with major hospitals such as Korea University Anam Hospital, Pusan National University Hospital, CHA Bundang Medical Center, and Gangnam Severance Hospital. Currently, they are developing key components for commercialization and progressing through the necessary approval processes for human clinical trials.