JBNU is launching a full-scale initiative to train master's- and doctoral-level artificial intelligence (AI) specialists to lead the region's growth engines. Based on a research-focused educational system comprising seven interdisciplinary departments and a capacity of 150 students, the university plans to concentrate on cultivating advanced 'AI+X' talent that integrates AI with future industries, aiming to become an AI-specialized graduate school at the world TOP100 level.

The JBNU Graduate School will launch an "AI+X Advancement Program" centered on the Graduate School of AI Convergence and will substantially expand its education and research infrastructure. Beyond producing conventional AI specialists, the goal is to educate research-oriented talent capable of applying AI to Jeonbuk's key strategic industries—including Physical AI, robotics, advanced defense industry, bio-health, smart agriculture, hydrogen energy, and the humanities and social sciences.

The Graduate School of AI Convergence will operate seven departments: Department of Physical-AI Convergence Engineering; Department of Robotics Foundry; Department of Advanced AI Defense Industry Convergence; Department of Biomedical Convergence; Department of Smart Agriculture AI Convergence; Department of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Engineering; and Department of Humanities and Social Sciences AI Convergence.

These departments will pursue education and research in connection with the regional industrial ecosystem. Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, local industry players such as Hyundai Motor Company, and research institutions including the Rural Development Administration will participate in curriculum design and collaborative research to build a practical talent-development model that reflects on-site demand.

JBNU will admit 150 master's and doctoral students across the departments and expand collaborative research and project-based AI+X PBL (Project-Based Learning) education in partnership with companies and research institutes. Through this, the university aims to create a locally rooted ecosystem of high-level talent in which graduates can continue to lead research and industrial innovation at regional companies and research organizations after earning their degrees.

In line with the government's AI talent development policy, an "AI+X Fast Track" linking bachelor's through doctoral programs will be introduced. While the conventional path through bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs typically takes more than eight years to reach a doctoral degree, this system—once established—will enable completion of a doctorate in as little as 5.5 years through three years of undergraduate study followed by a 2.5-year integrated master's and doctoral program.

JBNU will not stop at shortening degree completion time; it will also establish an end-to-end support system to cultivate researchers with strong research capabilities. The university will provide opportunities to participate in joint research with companies and research institutes through national programs such as BK21, and will pursue joint education and joint degree programs with leading domestic universities and research organizations.

The university will also expand collaborative research, talent exchanges, and international joint projects with overseas universities and research institutions. It plans to establish a tailored support system that covers academic administration, scholarship support, research participation, and enhancement of international competencies, taking into account each student's research stage and career path.

JBNU has already established a collaborative foundation with Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, Hyundai Motor Company, and the Rural Development Administration for talent development and joint research in the fields of Physical AI, robotics, and hydrogen energy. Going forward, the university's strategy is to integrate industry–university–research collaboration organically with the Graduate School of AI Convergence's curriculum to further strengthen the competitiveness of the regional growth-engine industrial ecosystem.

President Yang O-bong said, "By concentrating on training master's- and doctoral-level talent in AI+X, we will enable JBNU to advance beyond a regional hub university to become an AI-specialized graduate school at the level of the world's top 100," and "We will create a virtuous cycle in which young AI researchers who earn their doctorates in their early to mid-20s grow in the region and generate new value in local industry and research sites."