IFEZ Journal

IFEZ acts as a gateway linking Korea to the world and as a hub of global innovation. From United Nations (UN) agencies and international organizations to the Incheon Global Campus (IGC) and the Global Center, leading institutions and organizations across various sectors are based here. Below are the latest updates from key organizations and institutions that are driving change and growth within IFEZ.

01. Samsung Biologics Signs Vaccine Partnership with CEPI 

On February 3, 2026, Samsung Biologics formed a partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) through the Vaccine Manufacturing Facilities Network (VMFN). CEPI is a global alliance supported by governments and charitable organizations around the world to promote vaccine development and fair access to vaccines for infectious diseases. Through this collaboration, Samsung Biologics aims to enhance global health security by enabling the quick supply of vaccines during a public health emergency. The company previously proved its manufacturing ability by successfully delivering Moderna’s mRNA COVID-19 vaccine within five months of signing a contract manufacturing agreement in 2021. With this new partnership, Samsung Biologics reaffirmed its advanced biopharmaceutical production capacity and its dedication to creating a stable and dependable supply system.

Industry  Manufacturing of basic pharmaceutical substances

Products/Business  Manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals

Address  300 Songdobio-daero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon

02.Celltrion Enters the “Era of KRW 1 Trillion in Operating Profit” for the First Time Ever 

On February 5, 2026, Celltrion announced its consolidated results for 2025, reporting a revenue of KRW 4.1625 trillion and an operating profit of KRW 1.1685 trillion. Operating profit increased by 137.5% year-over-year, marking the company’s first time surpassing KRW 1 trillion in operating profit. Celltrion achieved an operating margin of 28.1%, driven by growth in the global market share of flagship products such as Yuflyma and Vegzelma. Five new products launched in the second half of last year generated combined annual revenue of over KRW 300 billion, significantly boosting overall performance. The company has increased its 2026 revenue goal to KRW 5.3 trillion and aims to further strengthen its global market leadership through a strategy centered on high-margin products.

Industry  Manufacturing of basic pharmaceutical substances

Products/Business  Research, development, and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals (Remsima, Truxima, Herzuma)

Address  23 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon

03. SK Bioscience, Accomplishes External Growth with Sales Skyrocketing by 144% 

According to the performance report released on February 3, 2026, SK Bioscience experienced a 144% revenue increase in 2025 compared to the previous year, driven by a turnaround at its subsidiary IDT Biologika and strong sales of proprietary vaccines. Despite ongoing large-scale investments, the company greatly reduced annual losses, laying a solid foundation for better profitability. IDT, which turned a profit within a year of acquisition, reported revenue of KRW 465.7 billion, boosting overall growth. Revenue from Sanofi-distributed products also more than tripled. SK Bioscience is speeding up occupancy of its Songdo Global R&PD Center while focusing on developing next-generation pipelines, including a 21-valent pneumococcal vaccine. The strategy aims to strengthen research capabilities in Songdo and improve global competitiveness.

Industry  Manufacturing of basic pharmaceutical substances

Products/Business  Manufacturing of vaccines and pharmaceutical formulations

Address  38 Yeongudanji-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon

04. Lotte Biologics Signs CMO Agreement with Rakuten Medical

On January 14, 2026, Lotte Biologics signed a contract manufacturing organization (CMO) agreement with Rakuten Medical during the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in the United States. The agreement covers the production of a head and neck cancer therapy based on photoimmunotherapy, which combines a targeted antibody with a light-activated compound to selectively destroy cancer cells. Through this contract, Lotte Biologics demonstrated its ability to produce next-generation biopharmaceuticals utilizing advanced manufacturing technologies on the global stage. The partnership is expected to drive large-scale international orders once the Songdo Mega Plant becomes operational. Lotte aims to expand its high-value oncology portfolio and further strengthen its biomanufacturing competitiveness within IFEZ.

Industry  Manufacturing of basic pharmaceutical substances

Products/Business  Manufacturing of pharmaceuticals

05. Korea Polar Research Institute, Leads the “Eco-Friendly Arctic Route” Initiative, Securing a Future Maritime Route 

The Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI), led by President Shin Hyung-chul, is leading efforts to prepare for the era of an eco-friendly Arctic shipping route, which will become a key part of maritime logistics in the future. On the 9th, KOPRI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Busan Port Authority, the Korea Maritime Institute, and the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering at the Busan Port Authority headquarters to develop Arctic route policies.

Under the agreement, KOPRI will share its polar research data and collaborate on policy initiatives that incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation (DX) technologies. The institute also plans to support Korean companies using Arctic routes and to organize related seminars to promote international dialogue. This initiative is expected to enhance the country’s logistics competitiveness and contribute to the development of sustainable Arctic sea routes.

Relevant Authority  Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries

Industry  Marine resources research and development

Address  26 Songdomirae-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon

06.IGC Phase 2 Development Project Moves Toward Preliminary Feasibility Review

On February 1, 2026, the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA) announced that it is working with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy to include the Phase 2 development of the Incheon Global Campus (IGC) in the government’s initial feasibility study review. The project involves investing approximately KRW 664.5 billion in Songdo District 11 to attract five additional foreign universities and develop educational infrastructure capable of supporting 5,000 students. Based on research completed last December, IFEZA is working closely with the Ministry and aims to secure inclusion in the preliminary feasibility review during the first half of this year. Once launched, Phase 2 is expected to establish IGC as a key hub for global talent development and industry-academia collaboration, boosting regional economic vitality and strengthening national competitiveness.

Foundation/Corporation  Incheon Global Campus Management Foundation

Address  119 Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon

07. Incheon and Yonsei University Fully Promoting “Quantum-Bio & Medical Innovation Cluster” Development

On January 8, 2026, Incheon Metropolitan City visited Yonsei University’s International Campus to discuss collaboration on developing a “Quantum-Bio & Medical Innovation Cluster.” The initiative aims to combine Yonsei University’s quantum application research strengths with the Songdo Bio Cluster to create a convergence-driven innovation model. Five key collaboration areas were identified, including quantum computing-based drug discovery. Both parties agreed to accelerate the completion of the 800-bed Songdo Severance Hospital, a key infrastructure project that will serve as a demonstration site linking research results with clinical applications. After the meeting, representatives visited the construction site to evaluate how feasible the implementation is. Through ongoing collaboration, the city aims to position Incheon as a world-class advanced industry cluster and a leading hub for future technologies.

Foundation/Corporation  Yonsei University Educational Foundation

Address  85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon

08. Incheon and Yonsei University Fully Promoting “Quantum-Bio & Medical Innovation Cluster” Development 

On January 8, 2026, Incheon Metropolitan City visited Yonsei University’s International Campus to discuss collaboration on developing a “Quantum-Bio & Medical Innovation Cluster.” The initiative aims to combine Yonsei University’s quantum application research strengths with the Songdo Bio Cluster to create a convergence-driven innovation model. Five key collaboration areas were identified, including quantum computing-based drug discovery.

Both parties agreed to accelerate the completion of the 800-bed Songdo Severance Hospital, a key infrastructure project that will serve as a demonstration site linking research results with clinical applications. After the meeting, representatives visited the construction site to evaluate how feasible the implementation is. Through ongoing collaboration, the city aims to position Incheon as a world-class advanced industry cluster and a leading hub for future technologies.

Foundation/Corporation  Yonsei University Educational Foundation

Address  85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon