[비즈한국] 'Sofent' is a startup that manufactures and supplies PFAS-free (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) new material nanomembranes. PFAS, a general term for artificially created organic fluorine chemicals, is notorious as a "zombie chemical" because it does not easily decompose in nature and accumulates in the human body. With the European Union (EU) leading the push for comprehensive usage restrictions, international regulations are set to take full effect starting next year, which is expected to further increase industrial demand for "PFAS-Free" solutions.
However, PFAS is essential in semiconductor and display manufacturing processes due to its heat resistance and ability to repel water and oil. It is also closely linked to our daily lives, used in outdoor Gore-Tex gear, frying pans, paints, and copiers. Sofent’s nanomembrane composite material, 'Vibrotech,' was designed to replace PFAS in industrial settings. By electrospinning nanofibers into a net structure, it balances internal and external pressure while preventing the penetration of fine dust or water.
Vibrotech can also be used in 'vents,' components that act as small air outlets in smartphones and earphones. Vents must allow air and sound to pass through while blocking external dust and moisture. Sofent is currently conducting a feasibility test with Samsung Electronics to see if its new material can be applied to the vents of Samsung Galaxy smartphones and Buds earphones. This opportunity was made possible after being selected as one of the 7th batch of startups for Samsung Electronics' startup support program, 'C-Lab Outside.'
Jang So-young, a pro at Sofent, said, "When we first started product development, it was difficult to identify exactly what physical properties were required in the vent sector," adding, "Direct communication with Samsung Electronics helped clarify the specific characteristics we needed to focus on and accelerated our development speed."
Discovering and Supporting the Growth of Innovative Startups Every Year; Work on Selecting the 8th Batch Underway
The C-Lab Outside 7th batch startups nurtured by Samsung Electronics have unveiled their progress and business achievements from the past year. The '2025 C-Lab Startup Demo Day,' held on the 20th at the Samsung Electronics Seoul R&D Campus in Seocho-gu, Seoul, featured 30 startups from the 7th batch and 5 alumni companies. C-Lab Outside is an external startup discovery and cultivation program operated by Samsung Electronics since 2018. This event was organized to share each company's R&D processes and expand opportunities for investment attraction and business collaboration.
Booths for the 30 companies of the 7th batch were set up at the venue, where each company showcased its technology and solutions. 'Aidinn Robotics,' specializing in robot sensors, develops 'tactile sensors' for the end-effectors of robots. Sensing technology is crucial for handling irregular objects in complex and dynamic environments like humans do. If a humanoid robot were to "mop the floor," the force sensors in its wrists would need to function accordingly.
Kim Yong-bum, CTO of Aidinn Robotics, explained, "Currently, robots only have 'eyes.' Since the sensation of 'having grasped' something comes from the fingertips, tactile sensors are absolutely necessary. The same applies to other joints like wrists and ankles." He added, "It is important for humanoids that perform high portions of delicate, light tasks, as well as in general manufacturing processes that handle relatively heavy objects. We are currently exporting sensors to over 400 organizations in 15 countries."
'Tactile Sensors': Essential Sense for the Humanoid Era… Entering Samsung and Doosan Robots
Founded in 2019 by 10 PhDs and professors from Sungkyunkwan University, Aidinn Robotics recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Doosan Robotics454910 to develop a standardized dual-arm humanoid robot platform and implement physical AI models capable of autonomous work. They are also actively collaborating with Samsung Electronics. Currently, Aidinn's sensors are used in polishing tasks, and they are collaborating with Samsung Electronics' subsidiary, Rainbow Robotics277810, on the supply of components for main boards and in the application domain.
Aidinn Robotics expanded its production process and streamlined its assembly lines through the C-Lab consulting program. They have developed sensors specifically needed for Samsung Electronics' factories and are currently preparing for their implementation into the process. CTO Kim emphasized, "In actual industrial sites, dust, moisture, temperature, and vibrations occur. Through C-Lab, we were able to develop new algorithms to compensate for these conditions, allowing us to create sensors that are far superior to competitors in terms of environmental durability."
Beyond areas closely related to Samsung Electronics' core businesses such as materials, parts, AI, and robotics, C-Lab Outside also covers mobility, digital health, ESG, and IoT. The eco-friendly water purification plant company 'Geogrid' describes itself as a 'Building Oasis.' Their building pipe water purification service, 'Bloss,' is based on ionization technology that removes and sterilizes foreign substances not just from a water purifier nozzle, but from the building's entire water plumbing system. They explained that after installation in a 50-year-old apartment building in Korea, the rust water problem was resolved in three weeks, and the water remained clean from the moment it entered the building until it was discharged from the faucets. It has recently been applied to public facilities such as school cafeteria facilities, and sales are expected to be generated overseas, including in Bangladesh, next year.
Kim Ki-hyun, CEO of Geogrid, emphasized, "Our solution has been applied to Samsung Electronics' Suwon worksite since last month. By recycling groundwater, costs are reduced, and sufficient water can be secured." He added, "The stage after drinking water is daily life. All water used for washing dishes, laundry, and cleaning needs to be managed. Our goal is to enter new apartment developments."
C-Lab Outside is creating synergy in expanding business capabilities beyond Samsung Electronics and across the entire group. Identity verification solution company 'Hopae' is discussing the strengthening of the security ecosystem in the fields of Samsung Wallet and security chips, while 'Tuat,' which developed the AI-based visual aid app 'Sullivan Plus,' is incorporating QR recognition features into Samsung Electronics' home appliances to improve accessibility for users such as the visually impaired and the elderly.
According to Samsung Electronics, the 30 startups in the 7th batch selected late last year hired a total of 218 new employees during the program period, contributing to youth job creation, and attracted a total of 34.5 billion won in investments. Samsung Electronics Outside is a program that extends the in-house venture cultivation program, 'C-Lab Inside,' to the outside, discovering and supporting the growth of startups with innovative ideas. The selection process for the 8th batch is currently in the final stages, and it is expected to reflect Samsung Electronics' considerations on how to utilize AI.
Park Seung-hee, President of Samsung Electronics' CR division, stated, "In an era of AI competition where the technology paradigm is shifting and global technological hegemony is intensifying, the cultivation of robust startups that form one pillar of the innovation ecosystem is more valuable than anything else for the Korean economy to take another leap forward," adding, "C-Lab will continue to provide a foundation for continuous growth for startups through cooperation and investment."