About

About Opticho

About Opticho

OPTICHO
specializes in advanced OPTICAL ULTRASOUND

We enhance diagnostic accuracy across various medical fields.
Our cutting-edge technology supports better patient care and outcomes.

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ULTRASOUND

Advanced Ultrasound for Precise Diagnostics.

Exceptional clarity and accuracy in imaging solutions.

Leading Non-Invasive Imaging Technology.

Fast, accurate tools for enhanced patient care.

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Company milestones
Dec

2022

Presidential Commendation – Korea Venture Business Awards (Ministry of SMEs and Startups)
Nov

2024

Certified as an advanced technology enterprise
Feb

2024

Acquired performance-sharing company certificate
Nov

2023

Registered manufacturing facility
Oct

2023

Selected as one of the top 10 national R&D projects for medical devices
Oct

2022

Opened Seoul office
Sep

2022

Acquired startup confirmation certificate
Jan

2022

Obtained advanced technology/product certification
May

2021

Certified as a venture enterprise
May

2021

Secured Series A funding (KRW 6 billion)
Apr

2021

Certified as a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME)
Apr

2019

Certified as a company-affiliated research institute
Feb

2018

Secured angel investment
Jan

2018

Company founded
Awards & recognitions
Dec

2022

Presidential Commendation – Korea Venture Business Awards (Ministry of SMEs and Startups)
Nov

2021

Director’s Award – 2021 Industry-Academia Project Challenge (KIAT)
Apr

2021

1st Creative Innovation Award – 4th LINA 50+ AWARDS
Nov

2020

Ministerial Commendation – 2020 Industry-Academia Project Challenge (MOTIE)
Sep

2020

Innovation Award (Technology Category) – Microscopy Today Innovation Awards

Leadership

Founder & Co-CEO
Chulhong Kim, Ph.D.

Chulhong Kim, Ph.D.

Founder & Co-CEO

Academic and Professional Roles

  • Professor, POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology)
  • Head, School of Convergence Science and Technology, POSTECH
  • Associate Director, POSTECH–Catholic University Life Sciences Research Institute
  • Director, Medical Innovation Research Center (designated by the Ministry of Education)
  • Leads a research team of more than 30 members, including Ph.D., master’s, and postdoctoral researchers

Awards & Achievements

  • Fellow of leading international academic societies (IEEE, SPIE, Optica, IAMBE, AIMBE)
  • Elected Fellow, Korean Academy of Science and Technology (Biomedical Engineering Division)
  • Recipient of Korea Presidential Citation, IEEE Early Career Award, Korea Scientist of the Month Award, and other top national science awards
  • Holds over 70 patents in photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging technologies
  • Published more than 260 scientific papers in top journals, including Nature and Science
  • Principal investigator for multiple large-scale national R&D projects
  • Developed original medical imaging technologies based on light and ultrasound