DGIST to Build an 'AI Talent Ladder' from Elementary Students to Deep Tech Startups

Establishing a New AI College and Innovation Startup Center
Full-Cycle Nurturing from Discovering Gifted Students to Entrepreneurship

Transforming Daegu and North Gyeongsang into Hubs for AI, Robotics, and Semiconductors
Launching a 253.1 Billion Won Innovation Project

"Universities can no longer remain in their ivory towers."

Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) is launching a comprehensive system to nurture artificial intelligence (AI) talent, identifying promising students as early as elementary school and fostering their development through university education and entrepreneurship. With the establishment of a new AI College and an Innovation Startup Center, DGIST has presented a blueprint to develop Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province into the nation's leading hubs for AI and deep tech industries.

DGIST campus view. Provided by DGIST

On June 5, DGIST held a press conference at a restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul, unveiling its full-cycle AI talent development strategy, which ranges from discovering gifted students to providing specialized education and supporting deep tech startups. Through this initiative, DGIST aims to lead the AI and AX ecosystems in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, while also establishing a foundation for outstanding talent to settle in the region.

To foster local AI talent from an early age, DGIST launched the AI/SW School in March. The AI/SW School is open to students from sixth grade in elementary school to first-year high school students in the Daegu and North Gyeongsang region. It features a level-based curriculum without strict grade distinctions, enabling students to learn according to their individual abilities.

In 2027, DGIST will also establish the 'AI College,' which will integrate undergraduate and graduate programs. Each year, 100 undergraduate, 50 master's, and 50 doctoral students—totaling 200—will be selected to cultivate experts in physical AI. DGIST plans to build a research and entrepreneurship platform in connection with the Daegu National Robot Test Field, implement a five-year combined bachelor's and master's fast-track program, pursue global joint research, and promote industry-academic cooperation with major tech companies.

DGIST will also establish the 'DGIST Innovation Startup Center' to bridge AI talent and research achievements with entrepreneurship. The center will serve as the nucleus for a startup support system that connects a technology holding company and a graduate school of technology management (MOT). By cooperating with global venture capital networks, DGIST intends to expand the deep tech startup ecosystem.

DGIST President Lee Gun-woo is delivering a greeting at a press conference on the 5th. Photo by Kim Jonghwa

DGIST is also launching initiatives to accelerate the AI transformation of local industries. In collaboration with companies in the robotics, semiconductor, and advanced bio sectors, DGIST will establish 'AX joint research labs' for each company, where corporate researchers will be stationed at the university to work on technology development, creating a new model for industry-academic cooperation.

Additionally, DGIST will pursue the '4 Poles 3 Specialized Science and Technology Innovation Support Project,' which links Daegu's AI and software capabilities with North Gyeongsang's manufacturing base. From 2026, a total of 253.1 billion won will be invested over five years to secure and commercialize core source technologies in mobility, robotics, and system semiconductors.

DGIST President Lee Geonwoo stated, "Universities must become outposts that nurture talent capable of transforming the world through disruptive innovation. We will develop Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province into AI and deep tech industry hubs on par with Silicon Valley in the United States, contributing to the nation’s scientific and technological competitiveness."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.