[Gwangju=An Shin-hye] The government has launched the 'Everyone's AI Growth Ladder Project' to enhance the artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities of the entire nation. The initiative aims to establish a step-by-step support system for education, development, validation, and entrepreneurship, enabling citizens to learn AI as easily as they learn Korean and apply it in their daily lives and work, thereby laying the groundwork for an 'AI basic society.'
The Ministry of Science and ICT held the launch ceremony for the 'Everyone's AI Growth Ladder Project' on August 3 at the National Gwangju Science Museum. This project is part of the 'Everyone's AI Normalization' policy.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Baek Kyung-hun stated at the launch event, "A new era has opened where everyone can learn AI like Korean and utilize it in their daily lives and work." He added, "Equally important as expanding AI infrastructure is creating an AI basic society where everyone can effectively use AI and benefit from it."
Baek emphasized, "We have now reached a point where we must think about what to do with AI, not just how to learn it, and we must not miss the golden time of the AI revolution. The Everyone's AI Growth Ladder Project is the first step toward an AI basic society." He also noted that since individuals may find it challenging to learn and utilize AI alone, a system connecting education, practice, validation, and entrepreneurship has been established.
Baek further remarked, "The attention of governments and global tech giants to Korea's AI industry and investment environment signifies that our country is emerging as a global AI hub." He mentioned that the government is building a full-stack AI ecosystem that encompasses AI semiconductors and services, with collaboration between the government and businesses.
Representative Jo In-cheol of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City emphasized that to open an era where all citizens can use AI in their daily lives, sufficient computing infrastructure for learning must be in place. He called for the swift advancement of the AI data center dedicated to neural processing units (NPU) that Gwangju is pursuing.
Representative Lim Moon-young stated, "Korea is moving beyond being a mere supplier of memory semiconductors to a nation that designs global AI strategies." He highlighted the importance of supporting young generations and students in learning AI naturally and nurturing new dreams.
Representative Jeong Jun-ho noted, "Everyone's AI is significant in allowing citizens to directly experience how AI can change their lives." He stressed that AI should not be seen as a difficult and unfamiliar technology but rather as something accessible and easy to use for everyone. He expressed hope that the AI lounge at the National Gwangju Science Museum would become a space where not only young people but all citizens can easily and conveniently experience AI, and he pledged to actively support the stable advancement of the project in collaboration with local lawmakers and the scientific community.
Additionally, outstanding development teams identified through the Everyone's AI Lab and Lounge will receive close support for initial startup consulting and commercialization in areas such as law, marketing, and technology, ensuring that excellent ideas lead to youth entrepreneurship.
On the same day, attendees observed project demonstrations and visited educational and discussion venues at the National Gwangju Science Museum's Everyone's AI Lounge for the Jeolla and Jeju regions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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