The Tech Incubator Program for Startups (TIPS), hosted by the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups, is a private investment-led technology entrepreneurship support program that helps high-potential startups with joint funding from the government and private investors. The selected companies are evaluated for having technologically validated products. Recently, numerous startups have been chosen for the program.

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TheEN

Hydrogen production technology-based startup TheEN has been selected for the Deep Tech TIPS program.

TheEN is a technology-driven venture company founded by Professor Sung-Tak Kim from the Department of Applied Chemical Engineering at Chungnam National University. The company focuses on two key areas: electrodes, which are the core components of water electrolysis systems that generate electricity from water, and catalysts that remove oxygen, a major factor in hydrogen explosions.

During the electrolysis process, both hydrogen and oxygen are produced simultaneously. The challenge lies in the fact that the process is controlled by the slower oxygen evolution reaction. Additionally, the fluctuations in renewable energy sources can lead to rapid voltage spikes in electrolysis devices, causing electrode damage and a decrease in overall performance. Therefore, highly durable and active electrodes are essential.

TheEN's high-durability oxygen evolution electrode, "Oxyrode," overcomes this problem. By adjusting the iron ion content in a nickel-iron double-layer hydroxide electrode with high activity for the oxygen evolution reaction, it maintains performance even in the face of significant fluctuations in renewable energy.

Additionally, TheEN's oxygen removal catalyst, "ZerOxo," utilizes the company's core technology, "Uneven Nanocatalyst Technology," to control the oxygen concentration near 0.000%, reducing the explosion risk. The controlled precious metal content makes it highly cost-competitive, and its high reaction intensity ensures excellent performance. In case of an emergency, the catalyst can still be controlled even when external power is cut off, preventing the oxygen concentration in hydrogen from rising. 

Sung-Tak Kim, CEO of TheEN, said, “Through this Deep Tech TIPS program, we will enhance our electrolysis electrodes and catalyst products, and not only expand domestically but also target the Californian market, where the hydrogen energy industry is most active, positioning ourselves as a global company.”