Government Launches AI Semiconductor Innovation Research Institute at Seoul National University... Focusing on Technology Development and Talent Nurturing

Industry-Focused Programs to Foster Master’s and Doctorate-Level Talent
Annual Support of 2 Billion Won; Specialized Technical Training and Corporate Dispatch Programs Included

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on September 29 that it held an opening ceremony for the "AI Semiconductor Innovation Research Institute" at the Seoul National University Semiconductor Joint Research Center in partnership with the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP).

The AI Semiconductor Innovation Research Institute initiative is a project aimed at securing artificial intelligence (AI) technology and talent. The institute operates industry-oriented programs based on cooperation among Korea’s large and small enterprises, fabless semiconductor design companies, and universities, focusing on industry-academia collaboration. Its goal is to foster practical talent who can be immediately deployed to the industry. Starting this year, the institute has made research projects based on Neural Processing Units (NPU) mandatory to help students develop real-world capabilities.

Ministry of Science and ICT logo. Ministry of Science and ICT

The government has selected Hanyang University and Seoul National University this year, following the selection of Yonsei University and Sungkyunkwan University in 2025. Seoul National University’s Innovation Research Institute is building a demand-driven AI semiconductor ecosystem, covering research and development (R&D), technology evaluation and validation, and industry demand linkage. Through joint research and personnel exchange with partner companies, the institute aims to establish a training system to nurture practical AI semiconductor talent.

The Seoul National University Innovation Research Institute, led by Director Sujeong Ryu, who has more than 20 years of industry experience, comprises five research centers. Each center is joined by partner companies such as LG Electronics, FuriosaAI, GenosQube Korea, Analog AI, and SqueezeBits, conducting collaborative research based on actual industry needs.

The government will support the Seoul National University Innovation Research Institute for up to six years (3+3 years) with an annual average of 2 billion won (1 billion won in the first year), aiming to train more than 110 master’s and doctorate-level professionals by producing about 20 talents per year (10 in 2026). Specialized technical education and corporate dispatch programs for students will also be provided.

Establishment of Seoul National University AI Semiconductor Innovation Research Center. Ministry of Science and ICT

Lee Dogyu, Policy Chief of the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, “To successfully build the K-AI semiconductor full-package ecosystem, it is essential to consolidate next-generation AI semiconductor technological capabilities. The government will spare no effort to support Seoul National University’s AI Semiconductor Innovation Research Institute so that, through enhanced industry-academia collaboration, it can produce world-class research outcomes and foster core talent.”

Meanwhile, over 50 people attended the event, including Junki Kim, Vice President for Planning at Seoul National University; Professor Sujeong Ryu, the newly appointed director of the Innovation Research Institute; faculty members and graduate students of Seoul National University; Policy Chief Lee Dogyu of the Ministry of Science and ICT; Junwoo Shin, Head of Strategic Planning at IITP; and representatives from the AI semiconductor industry.

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