Apolab Gives Back with Cutting-Edge Surgical Navigation System

The startup incubation program "TIPTOP" in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, is yielding tangible results that are making a meaningful contribution to the local community.

Apolab, led by CEO Jae-Young Park and selected for the "2025 TIPTOP Innovative Startup Incubation Program," has announced plans to donate its proprietary high-precision surgical navigation system, "XAVE," to hospitals in the region free of charge.

This initiative exemplifies a model of regional coexistence, where government support not only fosters corporate growth but also translates into improved healthcare services for citizens.

Often described as the "GPS of the operating room," Apolab's flagship product, XAVE, functions much like a car navigation system. Instead of guiding drivers with satellite signals, it leverages CT and MRI scans to generate a 3D map that tracks and visualizes surgical instruments in real time.

Specializing in facial surgeries, XAVE delivers world-class accuracy with an error margin of less than 1 mm. It enables surgeons to clearly identify nerves and blood vessels that are difficult to detect with the naked eye, thereby facilitating minimally invasive procedures. The system enhances surgical precision, shortens operating times, and significantly reduces patient recovery periods.

Its reliability has already been validated. XAVE has successfully undergone more than 1,100 clinical trials at leading domestic and international tertiary and university hospitals, achieving a 100% success rate. Recently, the system also received ISO 13485 and GMP certifications, paving the way for full-scale commercialization.

The company's decision to provide the technology free of charge reflects its gratitude for the strong support received from Gumi City. CEO Park noted,

"Amid the challenges of being an early-stage startup, Gumi City's proactive support enabled us to accelerate product development and certification."

In addition to the TIPTOP program, Apolab has consistently leveraged local initiatives as a springboard for growth, including winning the Minister of SMEs and Startups Award at the "Maker Space Professional Lab" competition hosted by the Gumi Electronics & Information Technology Research Institute.

Looking ahead, Apolab is broadening its horizons beyond medical applications with the launch of "XAVE Air," an educational version of its navigation technology. XAVE Air is designed to support surgical training and enhance understanding of anatomical structures without the need for costly equipment.

CEO Park added,

"Grounded in the spirit of regional coexistence, we are preparing for our next leap forward. We will participate in CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the world's largest consumer electronics and IT exhibition, to compete for the Innovation Award. We are also actively pursuing overseas expansion, with plans to enter markets such as Indonesia."