-Produce nano fermentation enzyme using two types of microorganisms through fermentation technology of over 40 years.
-Uses only 100% plant-based ingredients, helping humanity respond to climate change and become carbon neutral
Biosum is a startup that manufactures eco-friendly vegetable nano fermentation enzymes using microorganisms. It was founded in September 2021 by CEO Won-cheol Kim.
CEO Kim said, “Biosum is a company that has been investing in researching various useful microorganisms for many years and discovering native microorganisms that have not been discovered in Korea,” and added, “We are developing various eco-friendly fermentation enzymes using these microorganisms and plant raw materials.”
“For about 26 years, I had an interest in various new technology manufacturing through working at a financial institution related to small and medium-sized businesses and small business loans. “I started the business after receiving a business proposal related to microorganisms and enzymes from a friend of 30 years.”
Biosoom is an eco-friendly product that is made by mixing two types of microorganisms (Bacillus firmus (bsoom-001), Bacillus oryzisoli (bsoom-002)) with international patents deposited and about 40 types of plant materials and undergoing low-temperature aging and fermentation for a long period of time (3 to 7 months or more). We have developed plant-based nano fermentation enzymes and are applying them to various businesses.
In the agricultural sector, we are recycling waste media from button pine to produce an eco-friendly soil conditioner called ‘Good Toji’. As a type 4 complex fertilizer, we are producing and selling ‘Octosu’, an eco-friendly liquid physiological activator with excellent sugar content, hardness, and storage properties for crops. In addition, we have the technology to develop eco-friendly moisture regulators (sawdust and rice husk used to control the moisture of livestock manure) and livestock manure composters (promote the rotting of livestock manure and reduce odor) by recycling various agricultural by-products.
In the livestock sector, we are producing ‘Cheongpung’, an eco-friendly liquid deodorant that helps improve the environment of livestock farms. We produce and sell ‘Cheongpung Myeongwol S’, which is excellent for improving livestock immunity, improving meat quality, and reducing mastitis in dairy cows.
We are also producing ‘Pet Milli Probiotics’, which help improve pets’ immunity and improve various inflammations. In particular, Cheongpung Myeongwol S is receiving a lot of attention from livestock farmers by producing meat and milk containing roughasponin through long-term (3 years) testing by pig and dairy farmers. We also have the technology to produce highly functional eggs containing roughasponin, polyphenol, and lactic acid bacteria, and are also producing enzymes specifically for bees that are effective in improving the immunity and reproductive capacity of bees.
In the environmental business sector, we are developing an ‘eco-friendly cigarette butt disposal device’, an item selected for the initial startup package, and are collaborating with local governments, public institutions, and private organizations. Testing of the ‘project to reduce various wastes generated during cigarette manufacturing’ at the request of a global cigarette manufacturer also achieved effective results in the second half of 2022.
A project to reduce the amount of ‘contaminants (hair, wet tissue, etc., which are residues with a strong odor caused by existing organic waste, wet tissues, and inorganic waste mixed with moisture, salt, and heavy metals)’ generated at public sewage treatment plants by more than 80% through large-scale treatment equipment. We also possess technology for the production of enzymes for the destruction of animal carcasses and the composting business. In addition, through its food and beverage business, it developed a liquid enzyme that is effective for intestinal health and hangovers and exclusively supplied it to the ‘Seoul Beer Fantastic Festival’ in October 2023.
CEO Kim said, “Above all, our products use only 100% plant-based ingredients,” adding, “We produce nano-fermentation enzymes through fermentation technology of over 40 years using two types of microorganisms with international patents deposited, so they have excellent absorption in the body.” “I do,” he said.
“There are many items that are still in the process of commercialization, but we are working to commercialize items necessary for humanity’s response to climate change and carbon neutralization through resource circulation of waste.”
Since Biosum has many items in the commercialization process, it is receiving help from experts in each field in the market development sector. “For example, in the environmental business sector, we are preparing to advance into local governments, public institutions, and large corporations through collaboration with environmental corporations. The agricultural sector is attempting to enter the market through active communication with local agricultural cooperatives in each region. In addition, we also participate in exhibitions and events.”
How did CEO Kim start his business? “I have been personally watching the current natural fermentation enzyme production technology with great interest for about eight years. “Through study with acquaintances who are experts in this field, I identified the need for commercialization and started a business.”
After starting the business, CEO Kim said, “It is not a widely known technology, but in relation to environmental businesses such as ‘cigarette butt disposal equipment,’ environmental organizations and expert groups recognize it as a necessary technology and actively cooperate with commercialization, so I am working with pride.” Regarding fertilizers, we are receiving great support from the support of agricultural managers in Buyeo, South Chungcheong Province, and Goryeong, North Gyeongsang Province,” he said.
Regarding future plans, CEO Kim said, “We are doing our best with the confidence that we can ‘change the future’ in various industrial fields through eco-friendly vegetable nano-fermentation enzymes,” and “We will also do our best with a sense of mission for future generations.” He said.
Biosum was selected for the Catholic Kwandong University initial startup package project this year. The initial startup package is a startup support project targeting startups less than 3 years old at the time of announcement and provides commercialization funds of up to 100 million won. They also receive support from the host organization, such as startup space, education and mentoring necessary for the growth of startup companies.
Establishment date: September 2021
Main business: Manufacturing eco-friendly vegetable nano fermentation enzyme using microorganisms
Achievement: Selected as an initial startup package for Catholic Kwandong University in 2024
Reporter Jinho Lee [email protected]