The autonomous driving software startup RideFlux announced on the 9th that it has been selected as the 'Best Corporate Research Center' by the Ministry of Science and ICT.

The Ministry of Science and ICT has been operating the 'Excellent Corporate Research Center' system since 2017 to encourage the qualitative growth of corporate-affiliated research centers, which are key players in corporate research and development, and to promote a virtuous cycle of private R&D ecosystems. A total of 20 research centers were selected as excellent corporate research centers in the first half of this year. Among them, RideFlux was named 'Best Corporate Research Center' along with PNT and Chabio Tech.

RideFlux was also selected as an excellent corporate research center in the first half of 2022, and this re-designation marks the second consecutive recognition. As a result, it will continue to receive support benefits such as bonus points when participating in national R&D projects and government awards for the next three years.

The Korea Industrial Technology Association, which conducted the evaluation for the excellent corporate research centers, cited the following reasons for selecting RideFlux as the best: ▲World-class autonomous driving software technology and application capabilities ▲A systematically established technology development roadmap ▲A research organization centered around advanced personnel with master's and doctorate degrees ▲Achievements in acquiring patents related to autonomous driving technology and obtaining permits for unmanned autonomous driving.

Since its establishment in 2018, RideFlux launched the first fully open autonomous driving service in Korea in May 2020 and has proven stable autonomous driving performance even in complex urban environments and various weather conditions. Currently, RideFlux holds the only permit in the country for unmanned autonomous driving without a safety officer in the driver's seat, and is conducting phased test operations in the Sangam area of Seoul.

Jung-Hee Park, CEO of RideFlux, stated, “Because autonomous driving technology is directly related to the safety of road users, it is essential to enhance technological stability and reliability above all else,” and added, “We will continue to strengthen our R&D capabilities based on responsibility and a sense of mission to complete the safest and most reliable autonomous driving.”

(Source: Economist, Reporter Park Se-jin, 25.07.09)