South Korea’s science ministry selected Kookmin University’s precision fermentation project for funding under the 2026 Basic Research Program.
The project, led by Professor Park Yong-cheol in the Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, focuses on developing a genetic toolkit for food-grade yeast strain Candida utilis. The toolkit will support precision fermentation technology to produce proteins, amino acids, and other food ingredients.
The Basic Research Program supports foundational research and aims to cultivate world-class scientists. Its core research category backs high-potential individual projects and helps researchers become leaders in their fields.
Park’s team will develop modular components for genome editing and strain improvement. The technology involves inserting specific DNA sequences into microbes to produce desired molecules when fermented.
The goal is to enable domestic production of food ingredients and reduce supply chain vulnerabilities caused by climate change. “The goal is to develop core technologies that can ensure a stable supply of food materials through precision fermentation,” Park said.
Park’s research team has previously worked on synthetic biology and precision fermentation technologies for human milk oligosaccharides, glutathione, agarose, and terpenes. The team has also published research on carbon-capturing yeast microbes and biodegradable plastics.
Park founded BioCraft, a company specializing in yeast manufacturing and brewing. He said the latest project will broaden potential for developing diverse food materials while contributing to the industrialization of synthetic biology.
The funding follows South Korea’s enactment of the Food Tech Industry Promotion Act, which aims to strengthen convergence of food production with cutting-edge technologies.
