Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) said on the 16th that Kim Jin-su, a professor at the Graduate School of Convergence Bioengineering, donated 85,000 shares of the gene-editing corporations ToolGen, worth about 3.4 billion won. KAIST plans to use this donation to actively drive innovative research in agriculture and life sciences.
The donation will be used for the Center for Plant-based Carbon Capture, which KAIST plans to establish in the second half of this year. The research center will develop technologies to make photosynthesis, the process by which plants and microalgae absorb carbon dioxide using light, more efficient. The goal is to cut carbon dioxide in the atmosphere while also increasing food production.
The core technology is Kim's technology for "directly editing chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA inside cells." It can alter even intracellular DNA that was difficult to edit with existing CRISPR-Cas9 gene scissors technology. This technology can precisely edit this DNA and is expected to be used for research and treatment of intractable genetic diseases going forward.
Crops made with this technology are not genetically modified organisms (GMO) because no external genes are inserted, and they are recognized as non-genetically modified organisms (Non-GMO) in the United States and Japan. Advantages include lighter regulation and a higher likelihood of entering the market.
KAIST plans to use this technology to develop crops that absorb a lot of carbon and to use them as feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It is expected to lay the groundwork for Korea to emerge as a future powerhouse in sustainable aviation fuel.
Kim said, "Climate change and food issues are challenges that can no longer be delayed," adding, "I hope this donation helps build a sustainable future." KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung said, "Professor Kim's donation shows a scientist's responsibility and dedication," adding, "KAIST will take the lead in addressing the climate and food crises through the research center."