From left: Yoichi Aso, Jong-Geun Yoo, and Min-Chan Lee / September 1 © Gyeonggi i Journal

[Gyeonggi i Journal = Reporter Choi Sang-Gwon] Yoohantech, a specialist in industrial safety solutions led by CEO Jong-Geun Yoo, announced that it signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding (MOU) on September 1 with Synapse International, a cross-border development company led by CEO Min-Chan Lee, and Japan-based open innovation company Alphadrive, led by CEO Yoichi Aso.

Through this agreement, the three companies will jointly pursue proof-of-concept (POC) projects with major Japanese corporations to apply and validate Yoohantech’s industrial safety technologies in the Japanese market. This initiative is expected to confirm product-market fit and accelerate global expansion through stronger localization.

Under the agreement, Yoohantech will provide its industrial safety products and technical materials, regulatory compliance data, marketing resources, and training programs, while also serving as the coordinator for the collaboration. Alphadrive will be responsible for market research in Japan, identifying strategic partners, and designing sales and marketing activities. All information obtained during the collaboration will be managed in accordance with a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

Japan has been strengthening ESG management requirements and industrial safety regulations, and demand is expected to grow for advanced Korean detection and prevention technologies. This partnership is therefore seen as a strategic response to these evolving market needs.

From left: Min-Chan Lee, Yoichi Aso, and Jong-Geun Yoo / September 1 © Gyeonggi i Journal

Jong-Geun Yoo, CEO of Yoohantech: “Through field-based proof-of-concept projects in Japan, we will demonstrate the excellence of our technology and further develop it into a globally leading solution by incorporating local market feedback.”

Min-Chan Lee, CEO of Synapse International: “The combination of Alphadrive’s network and Yoohantech’s technological capabilities will create new growth opportunities.”

Yoichi Aso, CEO of Alphadrive: “This collaboration represents a win-win model for both Korea and Japan, and we will actively support rapid proof-of-concept execution and market expansion.”

Industry experts noted that demand for advanced safety technologies is rising significantly as major Japanese corporations continue to strengthen their global safety management systems. If the pilot project succeeds, it could accelerate Yoohantech’s expansion into overseas markets and serve as a model for Korea-Japan collaboration across Asia.

Based on this agreement, the three companies plan to launch local proof-of-concept projects in Japan within this year. Industry attention is now focused on whether this partnership will become a leading example of Korea-Japan open innovation in the industrial safety sector.