Korea Energy Engineering University (KENTECH) has been selected for three national projects in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), with plans to invest approximately 48 billion won in talent development and research initiatives.
The Gwangju Metropolitan City announced that KENTECH has been chosen for the Ministry of Science and ICT's 'AI Innovation Talent Development,' 'Regional Intelligence Innovation Talent Development,' and 'AI Advanced Researcher Support Program.'
These projects aim to enhance the capabilities of AI professionals at the master's and doctoral levels, as well as support outstanding early-career researchers. Notably, KENTECH will collaborate with over 70 local companies to conduct research and demonstrations focused on AI transformation in key industries such as energy, mobility, and agriculture.
The 'AI Innovation Talent Development' project will receive a total of 19 billion won over six years, including 16.3 billion won in national funding and 550 million won from local sources, by 2031.
This initiative will involve joint research between universities and companies to cultivate field-oriented AI talent at the master's and doctoral levels. KENTECH plans to partner with Korea Electric Power Corporation and TDL Co., Ltd. to develop professionals who can integrate AI with energy systems and next-generation energy materials through research and demonstrations.
The 'Regional Intelligence Innovation Talent Development' project emphasizes stronger connections with local industries.
KENTECH will work with over 70 local companies to integrate AI and ICT technologies in the energy, mobility, and agriculture sectors. The goal is to train 190 specialized professionals through joint research and education for industry employees.
This project is set to receive a total of 18 billion won over eight years, including 15 billion won in national funding and 750 million won from local sources, by 2033.
Additionally, 11 billion won in national funding will be allocated to support early-career AI researchers.
The 'AI Advanced Researcher Support Program' (AI Fellowship) aims to support creative and innovative AI research by outstanding early-career researchers, including postdoctoral researchers and faculty within seven years of their first appointment. Approximately 11 billion won will be provided by 2031.
The Gwangju Metropolitan City plans to leverage these projects to connect KENTECH's research and talent development capabilities with local industries. The initiative aims to disseminate AI technologies and research outcomes developed at the university to local businesses, supporting the AI transformation of key regional industries.
Yoo Hyun-ho, Director of the Energy Industry Bureau of Gwangju Metropolitan City, stated, "The selection of these projects signifies a foundation for linking KENTECH's AI talent development capabilities with the innovation of local industries. We will actively support the collaboration between the university and local companies to cultivate advanced industry talent and disseminate research outcomes to enhance the AI transformation and competitiveness of regional industries."
The total investment for these three projects is approximately 48 billion won, encompassing a phased talent development system that includes training for master's and doctoral level AI professionals, education for industry employees, and support for early-career researchers. KENTECH plans to connect these initiatives with joint research and demonstrations with local companies to expand the application of AI across key regional industries, including energy, mobility, and agriculture.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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