Hyunwook Kang, CEO of TECURE
- Enables non-contact treatment using light, reducing procedure time
- Provides safe and fast treatment through a non-contact method
![[Busan Tech Holdings 2024 Marine & Fisheries Accelerator Program – Startup CEO] Startup ‘TECURE’ developing an endoscopic laser treatment system](https://img.hankyung.com/photo/202411/AD.38707604.1.jpg)
TECURE is a startup providing treatment solutions for gastrointestinal diseases arising from obesity and aging through advanced laser technology. Founded in March 2020 by Hyunwook Kang (48), Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Pukyong National University.
Kang earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and has worked for more than 20 years in the field of laser therapy. Based on his experience at global U.S. medical device companies and academic research, he developed an endoscopic laser medical device. He said, “We aim to secure clinical evidence domestically and internationally and become the world’s first gastrointestinal laser treatment company to sell globally.”
TECURE is developing an endoscopic laser treatment system, consisting of a high-power laser system and disposable catheters. “During procedures, the disposable catheter is inserted through the endoscope channel, delivering laser light 360 degrees to the lesion. This enables non-contact treatment with reduced procedure time. We have developed three product lines so far and are conducting clinical trials targeting refractory esophageal diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cholangiocarcinoma.”
![[Busan Tech Holdings 2024 Marine & Fisheries Accelerator Program – Startup CEO] Startup ‘TECURE’ developing an endoscopic laser treatment system](https://img.hankyung.com/photo/202411/AD.38707605.1.jpg)
TECURE’s core technology lies in how laser light is delivered. Conventional optical fibers transmit light only forward, but TECURE’s patented catheter delivers light in 360 degrees. With miniaturization technology, the catheter can be inserted into an endoscopic channel, greatly improving convenience. Kang said, “The tubular structure allows safe and fast treatment through a non-contact method.”
After securing MFDS approval, TECURE plans to directly supply its laser system and disposable catheters to tertiary hospitals. Kang added, “We will collaborate with domestic and international KOLs to build clinical data, and promote the product through academic conferences and exhibitions. For overseas markets, after FDA approval, we will leverage our global network to sign ODM contracts with international medical device companies, and target U.S. tertiary hospitals and outpatient surgery centers.”
TECURE received angel investment last year and seed investment from Busan Tech Holdings earlier this year. In July, it was selected for the Deep Tech TIPS program (1.7 billion KRW) and the Startup Growth Package (200 million KRW). To support regulatory clinical trials and FDA certification, Series A fundraising is planned for the first half of 2025.
Kang explained the origin of the company: “The establishment of TECURE began with a chance encounter with a gastroenterology professor at Inha University Hospital during an academic conference. At that time, I learned that refractory gastrointestinal diseases (such as Barrett’s esophagus, bile duct cancer, diabetes) were often treated with radiofrequency ablation. However, RFA, being a contact-based therapy, frequently causes damage or incomplete treatment depending on tissue contact. The devices are large and difficult to use with an endoscopic channel, leading to longer procedure times and operator dependency. Through meetings with gastroenterology professors, we confirmed that our non-contact laser therapy technology could replace existing RFA. Before incorporation, we secured a government project from the Ministry of Health and Welfare to validate our technology, and with confidence in its competitiveness and clinical applicability, the company was established.”
After founding the company, Kang said, “I found great fulfillment in transforming academic research into something that can provide real benefits to society. Through entrepreneurship, I can collaborate with diverse people and develop innovative technologies to meet domestic and international clinical needs, giving me new meaning and fulfillment.” He added, “TECURE’s mission is to commercialize our product and apply it in clinical practice, thereby improving patients’ quality of life.”
![[Busan Tech Holdings 2024 Marine & Fisheries Accelerator Program – Startup CEO] Startup ‘TECURE’ developing an endoscopic laser treatment system](https://img.hankyung.com/photo/202411/AD.38707606.1.jpg)
TECURE currently has four full-time members, including two Ph.D.-level biomedical engineers. “Our clinical advisory board includes gastroenterology professors from Stanford University, Inha University Hospital, and Asan Medical Center. Our business advisory board includes executives with over 30 years of experience in the U.S., a CRO CEO with over 40 years of FDA expertise, and VC representatives. We are advancing with detailed strategies through collaborations with many domestic and international experts to ensure global competitiveness.”
Regarding future plans, Kang said, “Based on TECURE’s first-in-class technology, clinical evidence, and global networks, our goal is to enter the global market. We plan to obtain MFDS approval for refractory esophageal disease treatment devices by 2026 through ongoing trials and continuous evidence-building.”
“We will also expand indications to obesity-related diseases such as Barrett’s esophagus, urinary incontinence, and hypertension, leveraging our platform technology. Finally, by signing ODM contracts with global companies such as Medtronic and Boston Scientific, we will distribute and market our products overseas. TECURE will grow into a global company providing advanced laser treatment solutions to improve the quality of life for patients with rapidly increasing gastrointestinal diseases caused by obesity and aging.”
Founded: March 2020
Main Business: Catheter-integrated endoscopic laser treatment system
Achievements: Selected for Deep Tech TIPS (1.7 billion KRW), first domestic clinical trial for refractory esophageal disease, six registered patents (U.S. 1, Korea 5), cumulative investment of 10.6 billion KRW, NET new technology certification, KGMP & ISO 13485 certification, collaboration meeting with Boston Scientific
Source: Korea Economic Magazine
Hyunwook Kang, CEO of TECURE
- Enables non-contact treatment using light, reducing procedure time
- Provides safe and fast treatment through a non-contact method
TECURE is a startup providing treatment solutions for gastrointestinal diseases arising from obesity and aging through advanced laser technology. Founded in March 2020 by Hyunwook Kang (48), Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Pukyong National University.
Kang earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and has worked for more than 20 years in the field of laser therapy. Based on his experience at global U.S. medical device companies and academic research, he developed an endoscopic laser medical device. He said, “We aim to secure clinical evidence domestically and internationally and become the world’s first gastrointestinal laser treatment company to sell globally.”
TECURE is developing an endoscopic laser treatment system, consisting of a high-power laser system and disposable catheters. “During procedures, the disposable catheter is inserted through the endoscope channel, delivering laser light 360 degrees to the lesion. This enables non-contact treatment with reduced procedure time. We have developed three product lines so far and are conducting clinical trials targeting refractory esophageal diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cholangiocarcinoma.”
TECURE’s core technology lies in how laser light is delivered. Conventional optical fibers transmit light only forward, but TECURE’s patented catheter delivers light in 360 degrees. With miniaturization technology, the catheter can be inserted into an endoscopic channel, greatly improving convenience. Kang said, “The tubular structure allows safe and fast treatment through a non-contact method.”
After securing MFDS approval, TECURE plans to directly supply its laser system and disposable catheters to tertiary hospitals. Kang added, “We will collaborate with domestic and international KOLs to build clinical data, and promote the product through academic conferences and exhibitions. For overseas markets, after FDA approval, we will leverage our global network to sign ODM contracts with international medical device companies, and target U.S. tertiary hospitals and outpatient surgery centers.”
TECURE received angel investment last year and seed investment from Busan Tech Holdings earlier this year. In July, it was selected for the Deep Tech TIPS program (1.7 billion KRW) and the Startup Growth Package (200 million KRW). To support regulatory clinical trials and FDA certification, Series A fundraising is planned for the first half of 2025.
Kang explained the origin of the company: “The establishment of TECURE began with a chance encounter with a gastroenterology professor at Inha University Hospital during an academic conference. At that time, I learned that refractory gastrointestinal diseases (such as Barrett’s esophagus, bile duct cancer, diabetes) were often treated with radiofrequency ablation. However, RFA, being a contact-based therapy, frequently causes damage or incomplete treatment depending on tissue contact. The devices are large and difficult to use with an endoscopic channel, leading to longer procedure times and operator dependency. Through meetings with gastroenterology professors, we confirmed that our non-contact laser therapy technology could replace existing RFA. Before incorporation, we secured a government project from the Ministry of Health and Welfare to validate our technology, and with confidence in its competitiveness and clinical applicability, the company was established.”
After founding the company, Kang said, “I found great fulfillment in transforming academic research into something that can provide real benefits to society. Through entrepreneurship, I can collaborate with diverse people and develop innovative technologies to meet domestic and international clinical needs, giving me new meaning and fulfillment.” He added, “TECURE’s mission is to commercialize our product and apply it in clinical practice, thereby improving patients’ quality of life.”
TECURE currently has four full-time members, including two Ph.D.-level biomedical engineers. “Our clinical advisory board includes gastroenterology professors from Stanford University, Inha University Hospital, and Asan Medical Center. Our business advisory board includes executives with over 30 years of experience in the U.S., a CRO CEO with over 40 years of FDA expertise, and VC representatives. We are advancing with detailed strategies through collaborations with many domestic and international experts to ensure global competitiveness.”
Regarding future plans, Kang said, “Based on TECURE’s first-in-class technology, clinical evidence, and global networks, our goal is to enter the global market. We plan to obtain MFDS approval for refractory esophageal disease treatment devices by 2026 through ongoing trials and continuous evidence-building.”
“We will also expand indications to obesity-related diseases such as Barrett’s esophagus, urinary incontinence, and hypertension, leveraging our platform technology. Finally, by signing ODM contracts with global companies such as Medtronic and Boston Scientific, we will distribute and market our products overseas. TECURE will grow into a global company providing advanced laser treatment solutions to improve the quality of life for patients with rapidly increasing gastrointestinal diseases caused by obesity and aging.”
Founded: March 2020
Main Business: Catheter-integrated endoscopic laser treatment system
Achievements: Selected for Deep Tech TIPS (1.7 billion KRW), first domestic clinical trial for refractory esophageal disease, six registered patents (U.S. 1, Korea 5), cumulative investment of 10.6 billion KRW, NET new technology certification, KGMP & ISO 13485 certification, collaboration meeting with Boston Scientific
Source: Korea Economic Magazine