Gwangju-Based AI, Design, and Manufacturing Companies Join Forces for Collaboration

Gwangju Design Center Supports Discovery of Commercialization Ideas

A collaborative project involving design companies, manufacturing firms, and AI specialists based in Gwangju is set to be launched. The initiative aims to support the development of products and services utilizing artificial intelligence technology, with the goal of discovering new business models and future growth engines.

Front view of Gwangju Design Center.

On June 21, the Gwangju Design Center announced the recruitment of participating companies for the "AI Convergence Design Research Group and Idea Discovery Support Project," which supports joint research and commercialization among local design companies, manufacturing firms, and AI specialists.

This project is part of the "2026 Gwangju Industrialization Design Project" and the "Regional Growth Talent Development System (Anchor) Project." Its purpose is to combine AI technology, design, and manufacturing capabilities to discover ideas with market potential and connect them to actual product development.

The project consists of two main areas: the "AI Convergence Design Development Research Group" and "Preliminary Design Idea Discovery."

First, the AI Convergence Design Development Research Group is open to AI companies or small and medium-sized manufacturing firms in the Gwangju area that form a consortium with a design specialist company.

The support areas include ▲AI convergence products for future mobility and ▲AI-based healthcare products and services. Selected research groups will receive support for independent research activities, as well as assistance in developing up to two concept designs or prototypes.

The Preliminary Design Idea Discovery category is open to designers and students located in the southwestern region, as well as design companies and manufacturing firms. Creative ideas in the fields of mobility and healthcare will be solicited, and outstanding ideas will be selected through a review process to receive support for concept visualization and prototype production.

Recently, as AI technology spreads across industries, the use of generative AI in product planning, user experience (UX) design, and service development in the design sector has become increasingly active. This project also aims to enhance the feasibility of commercialization by integrating the demands of design and manufacturing sites with a technology-driven approach. Applications will be accepted until July 23, and detailed information can be found on the Design Biz Gwangju platform operated by the Gwangju Design Center.

Kim Yongmo, President of the Gwangju Design Center, stated, "In the era of AI transformation, we expect this initiative to create new growth opportunities and strengthen future industrial competitiveness through collaboration among local companies," adding, "We will support cross-industry research and exchange to help foster the creation of new business models."

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