By: Iseo Choi, KGGTF 2025 Youth Intern
On February 20, 2025, the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation hosted a lecture at Ondream Society in Myeong-dong, highlighting its Green Society Initiative, a program dedicated to fostering climate technology innovation. The session provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of the foundation’s philosophy, ongoing projects, and long-term commitment to sustainability.
The Green Society Initiative, launched in November 2023, is designed to bridge the gap between climate research and real-world implementation by providing financial and strategic support to startups working on innovative climate technologies. The foundation has pledged KRW 18 billion by 2030 to support at least 15 startups, focusing on renewable energy transportation, biomass energy solutions, and AI-driven disaster prevention technologies. “Our mission is to transition breakthrough ideas from ‘Lab to Society,’ ensuring that climate technologies are not just developed but also effectively utilized,” said a foundation representative.
Among the key projects introduced during the lecture was grid-forming technology, aimed at stabilizing and optimizing the transmission of renewable energy. “A significant portion of renewable energy goes to waste due to unstable grids,” explained a researcher. “We are working to address this challenge by making energy transmission more efficient.” Another major initiative focuses on biomass energy conversion, specifically the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) derived from biomass sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions.
The foundation is also investing in AI-powered disaster prevention systems, which utilize real-time satellite data and machine learning to monitor and predict wildfires and landslides. “By integrating AI with satellite technology, we can provide early warnings and reduce the devastating impact of natural disasters,” noted an expert working on the project.
Recognizing the global nature of climate challenges, the Green Society Initiative collaborates with organizations such as the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Bank to expand the application of these technologies beyond Korea. “International cooperation is crucial for tackling climate change,” emphasized a foundation official. “We need to ensure that these solutions reach the communities that need them the most.”
The lecture also touched on career opportunities in climate technology and policy, offering insights into how young professionals can engage in the field. “A career in sustainability requires expertise across multiple disciplines—scientists, economists, policymakers, and engineers all have a role to play,” advised an industry leader. The foundation provides mentorship programs and educational support to nurture future leaders in the field.
As the event concluded, attendees were encouraged to actively contribute to the fight against climate change. “The key to success in this field is resilience and adaptability. Those who embrace challenges and innovate will be the ones shaping the future of climate action,” said a senior researcher. With its strong commitment to advancing sustainability, the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation’s Green Society Initiative is set to be a catalyst for transformative climate solutions, bridging research with real-world impact.