Government support of 11 billion won through 2031, fostering practical talent in AI semiconductor and systems fields

Seoul National University has launched a dedicated research institute for cultivating practical research talent in the AI semiconductor and systems field. The plan is to establish an industry-focused industry-academia collaborative education and research system in response to the spread of generative AI and physical AI.

Seoul National University announced that it held an opening ceremony for the 'AI Semiconductor Innovation Institute' on the 29th at Doyeon Hall in the Design Research Building of the Semiconductor Joint Research Institute and commenced full-scale operations.

The AI Semiconductor Innovation Institute is a performing organization of the 'Industry-Academia Linked AI Semiconductor Leading Technology Talent Development Project' promoted by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute of Information and Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP). Seoul National University plans to receive a total of 11 billion won in government support over five years from 2026 to 2031 and cultivate 20 or more master's and doctoral level talent annually, for a total of 110 or more individuals.

As generative AI and physical AI have recently expanded beyond data centers to robots, mobility, and edge devices, the importance of not only chip design but also system implementation and optimization capabilities in the AI semiconductor industry has grown. Accordingly, the institute focuses on cultivating convergence-type talent encompassing both hardware and software.

Pursuing industry-academia joint research and field-based education

The institute operates five research centers led by Director Soo Jung Ryu.

In collaboration with partner companies including LG Electronics, Furiosa AI, Analogai, Xenoscube Korea, and SqueezeBits, the institute plans to pursue joint industry-academia research, technical education, and corporate dispatch and training programs.

Each research center conducts joint research on actual technical challenges presented by companies and operates a practical education model in which students participate in the entire process of design, implementation, and verification.

Building an AI semiconductor ecosystem talent hub

Seoul National University's policy is to establish a talent development system that connects university research infrastructure and industry technology needs through the AI Semiconductor Innovation Institute.

The institute plans to strengthen industry-academia collaboration by utilizing the Fab and design infrastructure of the Semiconductor Joint Research Institute and the educational and research capabilities of the AI Semiconductor Graduate School.

Director Soo Jung Ryu of the AI Semiconductor Innovation Institute stated, "We will establish an industry-academia talent development system where research, education, and practical industry experience are connected."