A South Korean foundation has signed an agreement with a coalition of more than a dozen Georgia counties to support each other in the development of life sciences targeted at promoting human health.

The Chuncheon Bioindustry Foundation contributes to the improvement of bio-industry in South Korea and supports business start-ups, technology development, marketing and manufacturing with a special focus on Gangwon province. Chuncheon is the capital of Gangwon province, which borders North Korea.

The Georgia coalition, titled the Innovation Crescent, is comprised of more than a dozen countries and entities focused on life sciences and economic development in the state.

Under the memorandum of understanding, the two organizations agree to be supportive of collaborative research and development, information sharing, education and other areas that support innovative and cutting-edge life science industries.  It was signed in Chicago at the 2013 BIO International Convention.

“This agreement represents the culmination of four years of relationship building between Georgia’s Innovation Crescent and South Korea’s Chuncheon Bioindustry Foundation,” said Nick Masino, chairman of the regional partnership, in an April 23 news release. “We began talking at BIO 2009 and, this year, formally agreed to work together to further life science economic development in both areas of the world.”

The 2009 BIO International Convention was held in Atlanta.

For more information, call Michelle Oleson, director of marketing and public relations for Georgia’s Innovation Crescent, at 678-849-7841 or send an email to moleson@geogiainnovationcrescent.com