The Leaders in INdustry-University Cooperation (Director Seol Kyung-won; hereinafter the LINC Project Group), which has been establishing an industry–university collaboration model and cultivating outstanding talent in the renewable energy field, received a very positive evaluation for its project achievements.

The LINC Project Group announced on the 10th that it received the highest rating in the first-year annual evaluation of the LINC project conducted by the National Research Foundation of Korea under the Ministry of Education, securing KRW 5.5 billion in government funding. This follows its selection as the top project group at its launch in 2012, when it secured the largest project funding among the 51 universities selected nationwide.

The university was evaluated as having successfully established an industry–university–research collaboration system by reorganizing into an industry–university collaboration–friendly structure and developing core programs.

In particular, initiatives systematically operated to support student employment and start-ups were highlighted.

Through the establishment and operation of a Field Training Support Center and a Business Incubator, the project group achieved a more than 300% year-on-year increase in student participation in field training. It is also providing students with new career visions through support for start-up clubs.

To strengthen employment capabilities, the project group has provided foreign language education, certification preparation rooms, and support for employment lectures. The 'Micro-Track Program' not only increased student satisfaction but was also credited as a key factor in significantly raising employment rates among participating students.

Furthermore, by operating a 'One-Stop Business Support Center', the project group simplified administrative procedures, expanded the industry–university collaboration network, and received high marks for identifying companies' difficulties and supporting their resolution through coordination between the university and business support officers.

In addition, by forming industry–university collaboration councils and conducting joint technology development projects and technical guidance, the project group made a significant contribution to strengthening corporate competitiveness. The launch of online training for incumbent workers is expected to increase industry participation in the project's second year.

Seol Kyung-won, Director of the LINC Project Group, said, 'Through the LINC project, our university is focusing on cultivating talent in the renewable energy sector and, above all, striving to ensure students receive quality education and secure good employment. We will not rest on the achievement of receiving the highest rating in the first-year evaluation. We will continue to improve student employment rates and play a role in the joint growth of the local community, companies, and the university.'