The Ministry of Science and ICT is strengthening collaboration between universities and companies to develop artificial intelligence (AI) talent.
On July 29, the ministry announced the opening of the '2026 Korea AI Innovation Talent Connect' at The Plaz in COEX, Gangnam, Seoul. The event will run for three days until July 31.
As of 2024, the number of AI professionals in South Korea is estimated to be around 57,000, but the demand from the industry far exceeds this figure. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, there will be a shortage of skilled workers in new technology fields, including 12,800 AI specialists, 18,800 cloud experts, and 19,600 big data professionals by 2027.
Approximately 1,000 participants, including universities and companies involved in key AI talent development programs supported by the ministry, such as AI graduate schools, AI convergence innovation graduate schools, AI fellowships, and initiatives for cultivating leading talents in generative AI, are attending the event.
During the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Lee Kyung-sup, along with the head of the Information and Communication Planning and Evaluation Institute (IITP) and representatives from major AI companies and research institutions, including NC AI, LG AI Research Institute, Ellice Group, InEasy, and 42Maru, participated in a signing ceremony to declare the vision for industry-academia cooperation in AI talent development. The attendees agreed to enhance collaboration between universities' educational and research capabilities and the industry's needs to cultivate talent, which is crucial for national competitiveness in the AI era.
Deputy Prime Minister Lee stated, "The key to AI competition is securing talent who can solve problems in the industry, beyond just technology research and development. The government will continuously support the ecosystem where universities and companies collaborate, allowing AI talents to pursue challenging research and grow sustainably."
In a subsequent discussion, participants addressed the competencies required for talent in key areas such as data centers and physical AI, the characteristics of AI professionals needed by the industry, and ways to expand cooperation between universities and companies. The ministry plans to develop a strategy for supporting AI talent development based on feedback from the field, outlining the direction and support system necessary for nurturing talent in the AI era.
During the event, various programs will be held to foster the growth and exchange of AI talent. These include keynote speeches, presentations and awards for outstanding graduate students, discussions with AI big tech veterans, a talk show titled 'The Meeting of Science and AI,' and a book concert. Additionally, an exhibition featuring 22 universities and nine companies will showcase the achievements of AI talent development initiatives and support students' career exploration through mock interviews, one-on-one consulting, corporate recruitment briefings, and graduate school admission counseling.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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