On the 8th, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it has selected Kim Min-han, a senior researcher at Samsung SDI, and Cho Young-jin, a director at Poskom, as the awardees of the 'Korea Engineer Award' for September 2025.
The Korea Engineer Award is given each month to one engineer from large and small enterprises to encourage technological innovation in industrial sites, awarding them the Minister's award and a prize of 5 million won.
Senior researcher Kim Min-han was recognized for developing 'high nickel cathode materials', which are key components of long-lasting batteries with the world's highest capacity in the lithium-ion battery field, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the domestic secondary battery industry.
'High nickel cathode materials' are battery materials that can store more electricity at once due to their high nickel content. As the electric vehicle market grows, the demand for ultra-high capacity, long-lasting batteries is increasing; however, existing materials faced the problem of shorter battery life as more electricity was stored.
Researcher Kim redesigned the structure of the battery particles and applied a method for stable surface coating, achieving world-leading capacity while extending battery life by over 10%. The production of products, as well as the transfer of technology, succeeded.
Senior researcher Kim achieved the world's highest volumetric capacity while ensuring structural stability during lithium charging and discharging, improving product life by over 10%. He noted, "I will continue to lead the growth of the battery market and enhance national competitiveness through differentiated technology development."
Director Cho Young-jin of Poskom developed the world's lightest portable X-ray device. Existing X-ray equipment was heavy and bulky, limiting its use in emergencies or when moving patients, and there was also a risk of radiation exposure.
The product developed by Director Cho provides sufficient power with a lightweight and small battery, making it possible to easily examine patients anywhere. Additionally, it significantly reduces the risk of radiation exposure by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
It also features a high-speed diagnostic capability that can diagnose more than nine major lung diseases with over 94% accuracy in just three seconds. This product received the Best Innovation Award at CES 2025, the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition this year.
Director Cho said, "Through constant challenges and technological accumulation, I will change the way medical diagnoses are made and contribute to human health."