At the 5th Innovative Technology Show, CNU was awarded the official commendation by Lee Hee-beom, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy in recognition of the university's contribution to strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized companies. The Inno-tech Show 2004 was held at COEX center in southern Seoul from September 7 through 10.
The Minister's Award is bestowed upon the institution of higher education that is judged worthy of special commendation for its merit as a contributing to the development of small and medium-sized companies and industrial development through academic-industrial-institute collaborations.
CNU established the Small and Medium Industry Technology Development & Support Center in 1993 and has been offering supports for new technology development, manufacturing procedure improvement, or quality enhancement to small and medium-sized companies in the region. The project has been funded from the business entities (25%) and Gwangju City (25%). The remaining cost is provided by Small and Medium Business Administration (50%).
CNU's Small and Medium Industry Technology development & Support Center won the Prime Minister's Award in 1997 in recognition of its outstanding contributions to bolstering small and medium businesses. In 2001, the chief researcher of the Center was granted the Presidential Award.