The BioLeaders Corporation was established at the Bio-venture Center at KRIBB on January 1st 2000 by 21 members of a biotechnology industrial-educational-research partnership with the primary goal of developing core biotechnologies. With the main goal of developing core bio-technologies, initial projects included: a "high expression system for the mass production of industrial proteins and pharmaceutical proteins", "surface display expression systems for GRAS microorganisms produced by fermented food", "technical development of new functional microorganisms produced by fermented foods", and "production development and applications of functional amino acid polymers". In recognition of our efforts to develop biotechnology, the BioLeaders Corporation was awarded the Prime Ministers Prize for Precision Technology in November 2000, the K mark in January 2001, and the KT mark in June 2001. In 2001 and 2002, we also received the Directors Prize for innovative technical small/medium enterprise, and were evaluated as excellent by the Business Incubator Association. As a first step into the global market, an overseas branch, Bioleaders Japan Co. was established at the Organization of Vertical Science and Technology, Kansai University, Osaka, Japan, on October 2001. They are focusing on the development of technology for protein expression using a lactobacillus surface display, very high molecular weights from the chungkookjang bacillus, Korean traditional fermentation food microorganisms, and amino acid polymers as poly-Y-glutamic acid.As a strategic initiative, the head office and R&D center was moved from KRIBB BVC to a separate building in Sajung-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon City. Ultimately, a new office building, which will become the core of the Korea Bio-Center in 2004, is under construction in the Daedeok Techno Valley. Accordingly, thanks to continued support, BLS is poised to become an international bio-technical R&D specialized venture.
