The Ministry of Science and ICT has completed the selection of universities for its newly established AI-focused universities and AI Transition (AX) graduate programs aimed at cultivating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) talent starting this year.
On September 29, the ministry held a joint launch ceremony for the AI-focused universities and AX graduate programs at Yonsei University's Baekyang Nuri Hall. The event was attended by over 90 key figures, including Deputy Minister Ryu Je-myung and university presidents from participating institutions.
A total of 18 universities, including Korea University, Yonsei University, and Soongsil University, have been selected as AI-focused universities, each receiving up to 3 billion won annually for a maximum of eight years. Next year, the ministry plans to evaluate 38 remaining software-focused universities for a full transition to AI-focused institutions.
Fifteen universities, including Yonsei University, Sungkyunkwan University, and Inha University, have been selected for the AX graduate programs, which will also receive up to 3 billion won annually for a maximum of six years. Twenty-six leading companies, including Samsung Electronics and Hanwha Aerospace, will participate as joint research and development partners. These companies and universities will establish an 'AX Research Cooperation Center' to promote specialized AX research and cultivate advanced talent at the master's and doctoral levels through industry collaboration.
The ministry is also working to enhance AI education and research capabilities at universities outside the capital region. Plans are in place to foster local AI talent by connecting with region-specific industries. Moving forward, the ministry aims to increase the proportion of universities outside the capital region to over 70% among newly selected institutions after 2027.
To support the enhancement of AI education and research capabilities at non-capital region universities, the ministry has selected non-capital region institutions as lead organizations for 20 new projects under the AI Star Fellowship program this year.
With this joint launch, the AI-focused universities and AX graduate programs will integrate AI education from undergraduate to doctoral levels and promote educational innovation through collaboration among universities, regions, and industry.
Deputy Minister Ryu stated, "The government will actively support university-led AI education innovation to lead to innovation across South Korea."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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