As the semiconductor industry emerges as a core national industry and competition among countries intensifies, companies are making vigorous efforts to secure advanced talent. Beyond simply recruiting limited high-level talent, efforts to cultivate specialized professionals are also emerging, with semiconductor companies' talent competition now extending into education.

On the 11th, SK Hynix partnered with Hanyang University to sign a contract for developing the next generation of semiconductor talent. SK Hynix and Hanyang University announced that they would establish a new 'Department of Semiconductor Engineering' and embark on cultivating specialized semiconductor professionals.

The contract signing ceremony, held via non-face-to-face video conference to prevent the spread of COVID-19, was attended by key representatives from both sides, including SK Hynix President and Representative Director Kwak No-jung and Hanyang University President Kim Woo-seung.

According to the agreement, Hanyang University will establish a new 'Department of Semiconductor Engineering' within the College of Engineering and will select the first cohort of students with a capacity of 40 (24 through early admission, 16 through regular admission) by the end of this year. Students will complete a customized curriculum jointly developed by Hanyang University and SK Hynix and will be developed into semiconductor experts equipped with specialized knowledge and practical competencies in semiconductors.

Selected students will receive full tuition coverage and monthly academic support from the school and SK Hynix, and will be employed at SK Hynix upon graduation. Additionally, students will be able to participate in SK Hynix's research laboratory internship programs and will be provided with opportunities to visit Silicon Valley in the United States, international academic conferences, and research institutes.

Hanyang University President Kim Woo-seung stated, "I am pleased to establish a semiconductor-related department, which is evaluated as the 'linchpin of the 21st century,' and will spare no effort in school-level support so that we can cultivate the best semiconductor talent capable of meeting the needs of the semiconductor industry together with SK Hynix."

SK Hynix President Kwak No-jung said, "I am pleased that Hanyang University, which has greatly contributed to technological advancement through industry-academia collaborative education, and SK Hynix, a global leading technology company, are joining forces. As the pace of cutting-edge technology development accelerates and demand for talent is rapidly increasing across all areas of the semiconductor industry, I look forward to Hanyang University producing numerous world-class semiconductor talent who will excel on the global stage."