KRW 5 Billion Annually, Up to KRW 20 Billion Over Four Years to Build an ‘AX Hub University’ Driving University–Industry–Regional Co-Growth

Strengthening Status as an AI Hub University through Selection for the Ministry of Education’s ‘Advanced Industry Talent Development Bootcamp’ (AI Field)

Synergy Expected in Fostering AI Specialists through External Funding and AI-Based Education and Research Infrastructure

[March 11, 2026]

<Virtual image of YU created using AI>

 Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) has been selected as a participating university in the “Gyeongbuk-Style Glocal University” initiative, a core project under the Regional Innovation System & Education (RISE) led by Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government. With this selection, YU will take on a central role as a hub university leading the AI-driven transformation of regional strategic industries within the “university–industry–region” co-growth framework promoted by Gyeongsangbuk-do.

 The “Gyeongbuk-Style Glocal University” initiative is a university-led regional innovation ecosystem project designed to enhance regional competitiveness by linking universities with future advanced industries and regional strategic sectors, expanding collaboration opportunities with domestic and global companies, and strengthening alignment with national higher education policies. YU has been selected for the “AI-centered Glocal University” track and will receive KRW 5 billion annually, up to KRW 20 billion over four years (2026–2029, 2+2 years). Through this support, YU plans to establish itself as an “AI+X (AX, AI Transformation) Hub University” to lead the transformation of regional strategic industries.

YU has established three major goals and is advancing the project accordingly: ▲ becoming a Gyeongbuk AI+X hub university leading the transformation of regional strategic industries; ▲ becoming the largest AI+X workforce training university in Gyeongbuk; and ▲ becoming a global hub university for shared AI value.

To achieve these goals, YU has formulated three key strategic initiatives: △ building an AI transformation ecosystem linked with global companies; △ fostering regionally tailored AI+X talent; and △ realizing a model for the expansion and sharing of “AI for All” values.

Based on these initiatives, YU will systematically implement a series of measures, including driving industrial advancement through the establishment of three AI solution hubs in Gyeongsan, Yeongcheon, and Uiseong; promoting AI-based youth entrepreneurship; restructuring its academic system centered on AI; establishing industry-integrated, field-oriented AI practical training programs; developing and building campus-wide AI education infrastructure; and leading AI-based solutions to regional challenges while expanding models for shared AI value creation. Through these efforts, YU aims to take a leading role in the era of AI-driven transformation.

In particular, YU plans to establish a university-led AI transformation control tower that connects government, industry, academia, and research sectors. Leveraging its expertise in education and research, YU will cultivate AI professionals, support the advancement of AI-based leading companies in fields such as bio, mobility, and ICT, and foster youth entrepreneurship. Furthermore, by promoting the development of future-oriented advanced industries and creating a youth settlement ecosystem, YU aims to strengthen a virtuous cycle structure for sustainable regional development.

<Virtual image of YU created using AI>

 Recently, YU was also selected as the operating university for the AI field in the “2026 Advanced Industry Talent Development Bootcamp” program organized by the Ministry of Education (South Korea) and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), securing a project worth KRW 7.6 billion through 2030. With the additional selection as a Gyeongbuk-Style Glocal University, YU has further solidified its position as a hub institution for AI talent development. YU is also preparing to launch a system in April that will allow all university members—including students and faculty—to freely and unlimitedly use globally utilized AI tools.  Combined with various government and local funding programs and the establishment of AI-based education and research infrastructure, strong synergy in project implementation is anticipated.

 President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “This selection as a Gyeongbuk-Style Glocal University will serve as a critical turning point for YU to advance as a leading institution in AI-driven industrial transformation and AI talent development.” He added, “The University’s research capabilities will contribute to enhancing corporate technologies and competitiveness, while AI-based specialized education across academic fields will elevate students’ competencies to meet the needs of industry and society.” He continued, “AI-driven industrial transformation will lead to a fundamental shift in the educational paradigm—from a ‘credential-centered’ hierarchy to a ‘competency-centered’ system.” He further emphasized, “YU will go beyond imparting specialized knowledge and take the lead in nurturing socially responsible talents who embody the values of coexistence and sustainable development on a global scale.” He concluded, “The era in which specialized knowledge was monopolized by a few is coming to an end. With the advancement of AI, everyone can now access and utilize specialized knowledge. YU will lead this transformation by integrating Korea’s accumulated development experience with advanced AI knowledge, becoming a central university in cultivating talents for the ‘AI Sapiens’ era and a frontrunner in driving this change.”