The new institute is also expected to create more competition in the field of domestic AI research. (image: Pixabay)
SEOUL, May 4 (Korea Bizwire) – AlphaGo may have beat Lee Sedol, but that hasn’t discouraged Koreans.
A private AI research institute called the Intelligence Information Technology Institute is expected to open by the end of the year.
The Software Policy & Research Institute (SPRi), which is leading the effort, held a press conference Tuesday outlining its plan to establish an institute devoted to AI technology research.
Major Korean corporations including SK Telecommunications, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Hyundai Motor, Naver, and Hanhwa Life Insurance have already invested three billion won each in the institute, which will also be incorporated.
The Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, as well as the SPRi and the KISDI (Korea Information Society Development Institute) will also be supporting the project.
“The government will provide 30 billion won annually for five years for research into AI technology. We’re planning to build an institute of some 50 researchers,” said Jin-hyoung Kim, who is overseeing the project.
The new institute is also expected to create more competition in the field of domestic AI research.
Kim’s greatest challenge is in finding new talent from across the country. The institute will require not only experts in artificial intelligence, but also in computer science. He also hopes that the institute will provide the necessary stepping-stones for many men and women studying AI.
Korea plans to host an international academic conference with AI scholars from across the globe prior to the institute’s opening ceremony.
By Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
