On August 13th, the HiLASE Centre welcomed H.E. Korean Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Youngki Hong, reinforcing the long-standing collaboration between the Centre and Korean institutions and hi-tech companies. This visit aligns perfectly with HiLASE’s mission to contribute to Czechia’s future prosperity, drawing inspiration from Korea’s economic prosperity.
Ambassador Hong met with key HiLASIANS: Tomáš Mocek (Head of the HiLASE Centre), Jan Brajer (Head of Industrial Laser Applications), and Jana De Merlier (HiLASE grant office manager and director of the STAR cluster). They discussed our extensive collaborative portfolio and its impact on regional and international innovation, highlighting the crucial role of the STAR ecosystem, drawing parallels with Korea’s renowned Daedeok Innopolis. Both initiatives aim to create synergies between research institutions and hi-tech industry, fostering innovation and economic growth. This comparison provided a common ground for discussing best practices in science and technology parks.
During the tour, Tomáš Mocek and Jan Brajer showcased the BIVOJ and PERLA laser systems and the Laser Shock Peening (LSP) facilities. They highlighted HiLASE’s deep expertise in LSP technology for next-generation power plants (nuclear and hydro) and tailored laser sources and technologies for electronics, displays, and microLED – areas where Korea is a global leader.
This visit underscores the potential for expanded collaboration between HiLASE, the STAR ecosystem, and Korean partners, leveraging cutting-edge laser technologies to drive innovation across various industrial sectors. By fostering such international partnerships within the framework of the STAR cluster, HiLASE aims to contribute significantly to Czechia’s technological advancement and economic growth, inspired by Korea’s remarkable journey to becoming a global tech powerhouse.
