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The UCL Global Industrial Technology Cooperation Centre (UCL GITCC)
UCL's world-class facilities include the Advanced Propulsion Laboratory, a cutting-edge electrical system engineering centre for the development and characterisation of high-power and energy, zero-carbon propulsion systems. Photo by Adam Gasson / Faraday Institution.
Our mission extends beyond research collaborations. We’re accelerating technology transfer, promoting IP development, and fuelling industrial growth by supporting projects that align with both national strategies and global sustainability goals.
With the depth of UCL’s research expertise and our world-class facilities, we’re making the UCL GITCC a global hub for cooperation in advanced industrial technologies.
Read more about how we can help you.
If you want to discuss potential collaborations, get in touch by emailing gitcc@ucl.ac.uk
Current areas of work
Terrestrial mobility
We’re at the forefront of advancing hydrogen and sustainable mobility technologies in collaboration with leading industry partners, including Hyundai Motor Company.
Our work focuses on developing next-generation zero-carbon propulsion systems, cutting-edge hydrogen production, storage, and fuel cell technologies, as well as high-performance battery electrification solutions.
By integrating innovative engineering design, advanced materials, and intelligent energy management systems, we aim to accelerate the transition towards clean, efficient, and resilient mobility, contributing to a net-zero carbon future.
Decarbonising ocean shipping
We’re driving a paradigm shift towards true zero-emission ocean shipping by pioneering transformative technologies that redefine the future of maritime transport.
Our innovations include the development of small modular reactor-powered ultra-large vessels, capable of delivering unmatched operational efficiency without greenhouse gas emissions. Complementing this, our lifecycle, real-time, intelligent, integrated management framework - powered by AI and digital twin technologies - enables continuous monitoring, predictive diagnostics, and proactive decision-making.
By enhancing both structural integrity and operational safety, these solutions ensure sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective maritime operations, supporting the global transition to a net-zero shipping industry.
Space and aerospace technologies
We’re advancing the frontiers of space and aerospace engineering by developing next-generation aerospace solutions, innovative vehicle designs, and high-efficiency propulsion systems.
Our work spans future space exploration missions, satellite deployment, and sustainable aviation, integrating cutting-edge materials, AI-driven flight control, and energy-optimised propulsion technologies.
These innovations aim to enhance performance, safety, and environmental sustainability, enabling transformative capabilities for both space travel and next-generation aviation applications.
Strategic focus areas
Korea has an ambitious plan to secure leadership in 12 strategic technologies, including semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and advanced robotics. The UCL GITCC strategically aligns with these priority areas, leveraging UCL's expertise in:
- energy systems to develop sustainable energy solutions including fuel cells, battery technologies, and renewable energy integration
- robotics and artificial intelligence to develop intelligent mobility systems and autonomous technologies
- quantum technologies to explore applications in mobility systems, navigation, and advanced materials research
Find out more about more UCL’s research expertise.
How we can help you
Unlocking global innovation for Korean industry partners
UCL East Marshgate is home to some of UCL's world-class facilities, including the Advanced Propulsion Lab and Manufacturing Futures Lab. Photo by James Tye.
We offer funding, through our Innovation Vouchers, to help you build new partnerships with research organisations and develop your initial ideas. We can also support your application for funding from KIAT, and help you access UK and European funding opportunities, including Horizon Europe's grant programmes.
Our connections with UCL's innovation ecosystem and commercial partners can help you transform your ideas into market-ready technologies that drive Korean industrial growth and global sustainability goals.
Empowering UCL researchers
The UCL GITCC creates unprecedented opportunities for UCL researchers to engage with Korea's dynamic industrial ecosystem and technology landscape.
We can help you build international networks and collaborate with leading Korean companies like Hyundai Motor Company, HD KSOE, and HMM Ocean Services. Beyond industry connections, the UCL GITCC provides access to substantial funding opportunities through joint Korean-UK research programs.
Through these collaborations, you can develop real-world applications for your research, access one of the world's most innovative markets, and advance your career and reputation.
Building partnerships with UK research institutions and industry
The UCL GITCC is keen to work with UK research institutions and industry partners to build bigger, better and more impactful international collaborations.
Korea represents one of the world's most dynamic technology markets, leading in robotics, advanced manufacturing and sustainable mobility. Collaborations with Korean businesses offers UK partners access to cutting-edge innovation, substantial funding opportunities, and a gateway to the broader Asian market.
Get in touch to find out more about how we can work together to develop meaningful cross-board partnerships that drive mutual growth and technological advancement.
UCL GITCC leadership team
Professor Jeom-Kee Paik FREng - Director
Professor Paik is Professor of Marine Technology in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UCL. He’s ranked world number one in Naval Engineering by ScholarGPS and is a leading expert in next-generation maritime mobility and small modular reactor-powered vessels. He’s a pioneer of lifecycle, real-time, intelligent (AI- and digital twin-driven), integrated management solutions, known as the Digital Healthcare Engineering (DHE) system, which enhances the safety and sustainability of ageing engineering structures (e.g. ships and offshore installations) and the wellbeing of seafarers. Read Professor Paik's profile.
Dr Robert Thompson - Deputy Director
Dr Thompson is Vice-Dean (Enterprise) for UCL's Faculty of Engineering Sciences. He leads the faculty’s strategy for industrial engagement and entrepreneurship, maximizing the impact of UCL Engineering’s education and research. He Chairs the governance board of IDEALondon and was pivotal in launching UCL's Institute of Communication and Connected Systems.
Dr William Lovegrove - Deputy Director
Dr Lovegrove is Director of Strategic Innovation Partnerships, UCL Innovation & Enterprise. He leads UCL's overarching strategy for business and innovation partner engagement, coordinating efforts across departments and supporting international ecosystem strategies. Read Dr Lovegrove's profile.
Dr Thomas S Miller - Deputy Director
Dr Miller is an Associate Professor in Electrochemistry and Materials Science in the Department of Chemical Engineering at UCL. He is the co-lead of the UCL Electrochemical Innovation Lab (EIL) and is actively involved with work in UCL’s Advanced Propulsion Lab (APL). Dr Miller is leading on UCL GITCC's work on Terrestrial mobility. Read Dr Miller's profile.
News and articles
An Interview with Professor Jeom-Kee Paik, Director of UCL GITCC
Explore the future of next-generation maritime mobility and strategies for a decarbonised future, in this in-depth interview with Professor Jeom-Kee Paik, first published by the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT).
UCL and Hyundai partnership evolves with first major GITCC co-funded joint project
UCL and Hyundai Motor Company have launched a new project to accelerate the development of next-generation technologies for electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells and green hydrogen production.
Korea-UK technology partnership webinar series
This webinar series brings together world-leading researchers from UCL and experts from Korean industry, academia, and research institutes. If you are interested in collaborating with UCL in specific fields or technologies, or in sharing your research with Korean partners, please contact the UCL GITCC team (gitcc@ucl.ac.uk).
Upcoming webinars:
- Nonlinear Suspension Dynamics for Future Mobility, 8 June 2026, 8:30 to 9:30am (BST) - Find out more and register.
- Next-Gen AI & X-ray Sensing Technologies for Smart Manufacturing, 23 June 2026, 9:15 to 10:00am (BST) - Find out more and register.
The UCL Global Industrial Technology Cooperation Centre (UCL GITCC) is supported by funding from the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) and the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR).