Through its startup accelerator D2SF Startup Factory, Naver Co. invested in two new startups in digital health and autonomous driving. South Korea’s largest internet search engine would invest in QSTAG, a company that currently prepares a healthcare platform based on smart on-site diagnostic kits; and Veuron Technologies, a developer of LiDAR cognitive solutions essential for self-driving.
QSTAG
QSTAG, a startup founded by biosensor experts, developed a smart urine test kit QSCheck-UIS4 as its first product. The test kit detects symptoms such as diabetes, urinary tract disease, and kidney disease by examining glucose, protein, pH, and occult blood.
The QSTAG kits allow users to immediately check result-values based on a QR code in the comfort of their homes. Conventional urine tests were conducted visually at public health centers and hospitals. Through QSTAG’s mobile app, users could record and store data collected from their urine tests, which could help them view trends and manage their health.
The company acquired a license in February from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. QSTAG plans to release and distribute the product this year with KB Investment as a joint investor.
Veuron Technologies
Veuron Technologies, a startup with excellent R&D software and capability, improved Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) cognitive solutions using signal-processing technology. The company expects the product to recognize various objects, even in an embedded environment quickly.
The new LiDAR system has scalability and synergy with other autonomous driving technologies such as sensor fusion and driving judgment. Currently, the company commercializes cognitive solutions with projects underway with various venture capitals such as Bon Angels.
Sang-Hwan Sang, Naver D2SF head, stated that the company expects the two startups to develop swiftly due to their superior expertise and remarkable experience in their fields.
Meanwhile, Naver D2SF invested in 46 other technology startups since its launch in May 2015. The company supports numerous ways of exchange and cooperation so that Naver and startups can grow and develop together.
