This article is part of Startupcity Insights series featuring expert contributions nominated by our subscribers and reviewed by our editorial team.

Sunun Lee,  GONGGONG | Startup City | Top Startups in Korea

A journey of sustainable air purification technology for all

Sunun Lee, CEO , GONGGONG

Air Purification Visionary

Editor’s Note: Indoor air quality is emerging as a strategic priority as enterprise leaders confront the health, environmental, and cost implications of traditional purification systems that rely on disposable components.This perspective underscores how water-based, filter-free technologies can reshape sustainability benchmarks while delivering scalable, efficient air purification across consumer and industrial environments.

The field of environmental safety and health represents a battleground where corporate interests and regulatory demands often clash. Especially challenging is the notion that safer, more eco-friendly technologies tend to be more inconvenient and expensive. Gonggong recognized these challenges early on and realized that to create truly sustainable technology, this fundamental dilemma needed to be resolved. This required the development of integrated and convergent technologies that emphasize both environmental safety and user-friendly design, necessitating disruptive innovation to bridge this gap.

In our quest to develop the most ideal air quality management solution, we adhered to the principle that the best inventions are those that function seamlessly without being overtly present. This philosopy drove us to simplify and streamline our product as much as possible. We focused on creating a single, unified solution that maintained and enhanced its core functionality while eliminating unnecessary complexities. Our goal was to ensure that users could enjoy cleaner air effortlessly, without needing to understand the intricacies of the technology.

With this goal in mind, our journey began with a clear vision: to develop a technology that would not only meet stringent environmental safety standards but also be convenient, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective.

This vision led to the creation of our revolutionary air purification technology, which harnesses the power of water vortexes to clean air efficiently. Unlike other technologies that require clean water, our system can purify air using even unclean water, enabling people worldwide to breathe clean air without concerns about cost or water quality. We aim to bring cleanroom systems, currently used in semiconductor factories, into households worldwide.

Throughout our journey of technology and product development, we often heard the phrase, "That's impossible." Many experts and individuals doubted our ability to enhance air purification performance and safety while innovatively reducing costs and waste. Paradoxically, it was these moments of doubt that reinforced our conviction. Each time we were told that our goals were unattainable, we became more determined to succeed. We knew that achieving the impossible would make our work more valuable. We invested countless hours in research and development, testing various prototypes, and improving our technology and products. This relentless pursuit of innovation has been the driving force behind Gonggong’s success.

Wash the air, breathe without care. A healthier world, we all can enjoy. Breathing easy means resting peacefully. Sustainable air purification tech for all.

Our journey also taught us valuable lessons we wish to share with other aspiring entrepreneurs. Typically, climate change has a negative impact on air quality, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, South Korea experienced improved air quality due to changes in wind patterns caused by climate change. Understanding these causal relationships was difficult for the public, affecting technology and industry trends, making it a challenging time for air purification technology companies. The key to overcoming this period was to look far ahead and dig deep. Instead of being discouraged by immediate difficulties, we reminded ourselves that if a mountain must be climbed, taking one step at a time will eventually lead to overcoming it.

At Gonggong, we are committed to continuing our journey of innovation and excellence. Our mission is to make clean air accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. We envision a world where the concept of a cleanroom becomes so commonplace that it practically disappears, contributing to healthier lives and a sustainable future. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible and to making a meaningful impact on the world.

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