Recently, JBNU has been actively pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation with local governments and regional universities to advance a plan to cultivate regional talent linked to growth engines (the "Create 10 Seoul National University-level Institutions" initiative). On the 22nd, JBNU signed a series of agreements with Muju County (Governor Hwang In-hong) and began cooperation to promote university-region mutual prosperity.

JBNU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for "Cultivating Regional Talent Linked to Growth Engines" at Muju County Office at 3:00 PM that day, with President Yang O-bong and Muju County Governor Hwang In-hong in attendance.

The two institutions agreed to jointly implement regional talent development projects linked to JBNU's strategic industry growth engines, including the Advanced Robotics Foundry, Green Hydrogen Systems, agriculture and life sciences and biotechnology, AI, mobility, and renewable energy.

They also agreed to support collaborative projects with specialized high schools in Muju County and to expand AI education within the region.

In particular, they will jointly pursue AI convergence research and demonstration projects linked to Muju County's strategic industries to train talent that meets regional industrial demand and to create growth drivers for university-region mutual prosperity.

To this end, the two institutions will form a working-level consultative body to jointly carry out project planning, operation, and performance evaluation, and will endeavor to ensure that this agreement becomes a practical regional growth driver and a catalyst for national balanced development.

President Yang O-bong said, "The growth engines pursued by JBNU are a practical strategy to change not only the university's innovation but also the region's industry, education, and the future of young people," adding, "Through tailored talent development that reflects Muju County's characteristics and industrial demand, we will revitalize the region and create a sustainable mutual-growth model where young people can stay and grow."

Muju County Governor Hwang In-hong also responded, "This agreement is a meaningful starting point to strengthen Muju County's future-industry foundation and provide new opportunities for local youth," adding, "We will actively cooperate to combine JBNU's excellent education and research capabilities with Muju County's local resources to produce tangible results that the region can feel and to ensure these lead to regional development."