Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, or SAIT, is the Samsung Group's central R&D organization. It was established in 1987 as an incubator for future cutting-edge technologies with its motto - "boundless research for breakthrough."
SAIT serves as the group's greenhouse for growth by pursing three important goals.

First, as a new business creator, SAIT constantly uncovers and develops disruptive technologies and emerging markets. Secondly, as a technology provider, SAIT develops distinctive, next-generation technologies that can strengthen existing business lines. Third, as Samsung's think tank, SAIT devises mid-and long-term technology strategies and nurtures excellent engineers.

SAIT's recent major activities covered many areas. First, it developed a 10-hour battery for laptops using methanol. This advanced fuel cell technology utilizing nano agent and hydrogen ion conductor technology will eventually be commercialized when it is made available in a smaller size and becomes more competitively priced. Other SAIT projects included the development of RGB codec technology and a drive to have it accepted as the MPEG-4 standard.

SAIT finalized technology standards for terrestrial DMB, that will enable handheld devices to receive high-quality broadcast programs. The institute developed chipsets for terrestrial and satellite DMB terminals. SAIT also developed a GaN based LD having a wavelength of 405nm for a Blu-ray disc of 50GB density corresponding to almost 10 times higher than that of present DVDs, achieving the world's largest optical power of 400mW and lowest noise of -132dB/Hz. Also, not only did SAIT succeed in applying accelerometer 3D gesture recognition technology in cellular phones, but also commercialized it, launching it under the spotlight for the first time in the world.

As part of its social contributions, the institute has been working to enhance educational environment in the community and incorporation of science in the nation's daily lives. This is also SAIT's motivation to create its corporate image that is to "share" with everyone.

These activities were first launched in 2000 with a "Special Community Service Team." Offering computer, English, and Science classes, Community Service Team was organized in accordance of each member's specialization. This program was later stretched out to run a Kids' Science Class in 2003, fostering a science community with the efforts of the researchers.

"1 Dept. 1 Community Service Team Campaign" also helps researchers to build relationship with underprivileged elementary school kids in the community, and offers various learning opportunity involving all the staffs who play a role as science teachers to show and teach science of everyday. In addition to the science lab, it holds various science events including a summer science camp, SAIT Open House Day, and Science Fun Club for remote school children. All staff and researchers are actively participating in organizing and preparing programs, for the kids, teachers, and parents.

SAIT is determined to further expand "Science for Curious Kids" program and reach as many elementary school students for them to nurture their dreams of becoming a scientist someday.

The institute also operates blood banks, as well as supporting handicapped people and young household heads and senior citizens who lack caregivers.

SAIT was founded in 1987 in accordance with then Samsung Group Founder and Chairman Lee Byung-Chull's conviction and foresight that possession of sophisticated technologies could create a top-tier company that leads in the 21st century.

SAIT's mission is to develop frontier technologies that can spawn new business areas and leading contemporary technologies that can turn Samsung's existing "strategic" business lines into global market leaders. At the same time, the institute helps to create synergy within the Samsung Group as a whole.

Since its inception, SAIT has been cultivating competencies for both basic and advanced technologies, and the institute bears the heavy responsibility of ensuring Samsung's future.

The "Samsung New Management" initiative was announced in 1993, and SAIT began to reorient R&D toward qualitative instead of quantitative goals. SAIT began innovating research activities in earnest from 1999. A mid-and long-term vision dubbed "New Millennium, New Technology" was promulgated and five major research areas were decided upon: digital technology, nano-technology, opto-technology, energy technology and bio-technology. At this time, work began in various new areas, including biotech and micro-electro-mechanical systems.

The Six Sigma program was adopted to improve scientific research methodologies, and a joint technology roadmap was promoted to foster strategic links with Samsung affiliates. SAIT integrated the Design for Six Sigma approach into R&D and disseminated it to other affiliates, promoting R&D innovation throughout the Samsung organization.

On July 9, 2004, SAIT declared a new vision of becoming "the world leading research institute enlightening the future," and the slogan "Leading the Next" was adopted. To this end, SAIT is concentrating resources on selected areas and fine-tuning applied technology capabilities. SAIT is honing research competencies and growing into one of the world's most respected research organizations.

Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology contributed this article.