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Chung-Ang University chemical engineering professor's startup wins Grand Prize at Seoul Environment Awards

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • Professor Woo Sang-hyuk's startup, Wise&Erop, won the Grand Prize at the 30th Seoul Environment Awards for its next-generation air filter.
  • The 'AeLF' filter enhances fine dust adsorption, reduces power consumption by 28%, and doubles filter lifespan.
  • The award recognizes contributions to climate crisis response and carbon neutrality, with Wise&Erop's technology proving effective in real-world applications.

Wise&Erop, a startup founded by Professor Woo Sang-hyuk of Chung-Ang University's Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, has received the Grand Prize at the 30th Seoul Environment Awards. The company was recognized for its innovative next-generation eco-friendly air filter, 'AeLF,' which significantly improves fine dust adsorption.

This award is a meaningful achievement that shows fundamental technology originating from university research labs can contribute to solving actual urban environmental problems.

— Professor Woo Sang-hyukReflecting on the significance of Wise&Erop's award.

The Seoul Environment Awards, established in 1997, are the city's most prestigious accolades for environmental conservation and carbon neutrality efforts. This year's ceremony, marking the award's 30th anniversary, honored 21 individuals, companies, and organizations across five categories: Climate Tech, Green Transport & Energy, Building Energy, Resource Circulation, and Climate Action & Education.

Wise&Erop's 'AeLF' filter demonstrated a 28% reduction in power consumption compared to existing filters and extended filter life by more than double. The technology simultaneously addresses fine dust reduction and conserves energy, while also minimizing plastic waste. This dual achievement in environmental protection and energy efficiency earned high praise from the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

We will continue to advance climate tech technologies that can contribute to fine dust reduction, energy saving, and carbon neutrality based on Chung-Ang University's research capabilities.

— Professor Woo Sang-hyukStating future plans for technological development.

The company has validated its technology through the Seoul City Testbed project, applying the filters in actual buildings to prove their effectiveness and scalability. Their research findings have also been published in the international journal Nature, underscoring their commitment to developing and implementing climate crisis solutions. Professor Woo expressed that the award signifies the potential of fundamental technology originating from university research labs to solve real-world urban environmental problems.

Fine dust reduction and energy saving achieved simultaneously as an excellent case.

— Seoul Metropolitan GovernmentEvaluating Wise&Erop's technology.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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