Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) has begun full-scale efforts to train regional AI specialists and to build an industry–university collaboration ecosystem in partnership with companies and organizations leading the artificial intelligence (AI) industry.

JBNU signed memoranda of understanding and letters of support on the 23rd at the University Headquarters Conference Room with ten organizations, including Amazon Web Services (AWS) Korea, DH OtoReed, NXT Cloud, Leaders System, Shinhan Fund Partners, Upstage, Orkestro, Jeonbuk IT Industry Association, Krafton, and FuriosaAI.

The agreement was established to successfully implement the "Regional Talent Development Project Linked to AI Growth Engines" and to cultivate practice-oriented specialists demanded by the AI industry. The initiative signifies the university and companies' intent to build a close cooperation system across education, research, and industry–university collaboration to enhance the competitiveness of the regional AI industry.

Participating organizations will cooperate in building infrastructure and platforms for AI education and research. They will also participate in developing curricula that reflect industry needs and in operating practice-centered educational programs.

In addition, to cultivate specialists in new AI and AX technologies, they will provide students with diverse field experience opportunities such as internships, field training, and industry–university collaboration projects. Through these experiences, students are expected to gain hands-on competencies by engaging with the latest AI technologies across industry and actual work environments.

In particular, participating companies agreed to discuss holding recruitment briefings and establishing preferential hiring measures to link recruitment of outstanding talent. The plan aims to build a practical industry–university collaboration model that connects education, field experience, and employment.

JBNU expects that, through this agreement, it will stably supply companies with AI talent ready for immediate deployment in the field and provide students with career and employment opportunities that meet future industry demand.

President Yang O-bong said, "AI technology has established itself as a core growth engine driving innovation across industry. Through this agreement, the university and companies will together establish AI education innovation and a system for cultivating practice-oriented talent, and create a sustainable industry–university collaboration model that contributes to the development of the regional and national AI industry."