ARTICLE [IR52 Jang Young Sil Award] “Gift of Nature” Noni: Enhanced Benefits Through 1,440 Hours of Fermentation
[IR52 Jang Young Sil Award] “Gift of Nature” Noni: Enhanced Benefits Through 1,440 Hours of Fermentation
From left: Team Leader Kim Eun-min, Research Institute Director Dr. La Im Joung, and Director Amber Lee.
The tropical fruit noni, often referred to as the “gift of Nature” for its rich nutritional profile, has been reborn as a premium health drink. While noni has long been recognized for its health benefits, its strong odor and bitter taste often made it difficult to consume regularly. This challenge was successfully overcome through our company’s proprietary fermentation technology.
The first IR52 Jang Young Sil Award of 2026 was awarded to “Atomy Orot Organic Fermented Noni,” jointly developed by Atomy, Atomy Orot, and NST Bio. The product received high praise for revolutionizing the existing noni market—which had relied largely on imports or simple processing—by applying bioconversion technology to dramatically improve both taste and efficacy.
Noni contains over 200 types of phytochemicals (plant-based nutrients) known to support antioxidant activity and immune health. However, its characteristic volatile fatty acids produce an unpleasant odor and bitterness, making long-term consumption difficult. The research team focused on bioconversion technology, which utilizes microorganisms to beneficially transform the structure of substances. After comparative analysis of lactic acid bacteria from around the world, the team identified seven strains of compound probiotics optimized for noni fermentation. In addition, they designed a long-term fermentation and aging process lasting 1,440 hours (60 days).
Dr. La Im Joung, Head of Research at Atomy Orot, recalled, “After countless trials, the moment we finally achieved a smooth, odor-free noni juice, the entire research team erupted in cheers.”
The team also secured a dedicated organic noni farm on Java Island, Indonesia. All harvested noni undergo DNA testing to verify a single cultivar, as well as safety testing for over 463 types of pesticides and heavy metals. Since its launch at the end of 2020, the product has sold more than 5 million bottles and is now exported to 19 countries worldwide, including the United States, China, and Japan. The research team is currently conducting human clinical trials to obtain official recognition as a health functional food.
Host: Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea
Organizer: Maeil Business Newspaper & Korea Industrial Technology Association, South Korea
By Lee Sae-Bom (Naver News)
[Original Article]