Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Ju-ho tours the facilities of Seoul National University’s Semiconductor Joint Research Institute after attending the launching ceremony of the Semiconductor Joint Research Institute Council at Seoul National University in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, July 20. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 14 (Korea Bizwire) –The Ministry of Science and ICT inaugurated the Seoul National University Graduate School of Artificial Intelligence Semiconductors during a ceremony held at the Design Research Center of Seoul National University on Tuesday.
AI semiconductors, crucial for executing large-scale computations essential for high-speed and low-power artificial intelligence (AI) services, were the focus of the event.
Since the beginning of this year, MSIT has actively championed the AI Semiconductor Graduate School project. The objective is to bolster technological competitiveness and pave the way for future markets, particularly in the development of domestic AI semiconductors. The strategy involves nurturing master’s and doctoral-level talents with expertise in AI semiconductor design and software capabilities—key components for national strategic technologies and economic security.
In May, Seoul National University, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and Hanyang University were chosen as the designated graduate schools for AI semiconductors. MSIT pledged financial support of 3 billion won per year for each graduate school over a six-year period (2023-2028). This funding aims to train a total of 495 top-tier global talents.
Among these institutions, Seoul National University hosted the inaugural ceremony, outlining plans to produce more than 165 skilled individuals over six years. The curriculum involves credit-linked field trips covering deep learning basics, applied software, neural network lightweighting research, visits to fabless companies, and the establishment of an AI semiconductor major track.
Kang Do-hyun, the head of the Information and Communication Policy Division at the Ministry of Science and ICT, expressed optimism during the event, stating, “By leveraging Korea’s strengths in semiconductors, digital technology, and infrastructure, we can lead the global market. Through the AI Semiconductor Graduate School, we are committed to providing comprehensive support to Korean students, enabling them to evolve into high-end talents at the forefront of global technology.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
