"KT and KAIST Establish Joint Research Center to Promote Next-Generation AI Collaborative Research"

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] KT is promoting research and development (R&D) collaboration with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) for artificial intelligence (AI) and software (SW) technology development.

On the 14th, KT announced that it held a kickoff event at KAIST in Daejeon to establish the KAIST-KT Joint Research Center and to promote joint research projects.

KT and KAIST will first pursue joint research on next-generation AI and human-centered AI. The joint research will be conducted on seven selected projects, including ‘intelligent AI technology that judges and reasons like humans,’ ‘AI technology that makes interaction between AI and humans natural,’ ‘AI technology for new creative experiences such as virtual worlds,’ and ‘AI technology to create a happy and healthy society.’

The KAIST-KT Joint Research Center is planned to be established at KT’s Daedeok 2 Research Center, covering approximately 580 pyeong (about 1,914 square meters). Designed as a future-oriented workspace concept considering the characteristics of joint research and R&D between KT and KAIST, the space structure can be modified according to various work styles and characteristics, making it an optimal space for diverse projects such as multimodal AI technology development. In particular, KT will support top-tier domestic GPU infrastructure for the joint research to promote ultra-large AI R&D, and will enable flexible GPU utilization according to the characteristics of selected projects to enhance the performance of AI core technologies.

Lastly, using the KAIST-KT Joint Research Center, KT plans to operate the ‘KT AI Master’s Program’ within KAIST to strengthen cooperation for nurturing talented individuals. Targeting a September opening next year, KT aims to establish an AI master’s program linked to KT recruitment for students with excellent capabilities, focusing on nurturing talent in AI core fields for domestic and international bachelor’s degree candidates.

Lee Dong-man, President of KAIST, said, “KT is a top AI R&D partner, and we are honored to work together with KAIST. We see the establishment of the joint research center as an opportunity to contribute not only to students but also to the development of the local community.” He added, “We hope to seek new perspectives through convergence with humanities and social sciences and to leap forward as a true leading AI company in Korea through continuous human-centered AI and SW technology research.”

Kim Ihan, Head of KT Convergence Technology Institute, said, “We are very pleased to conduct R&D collaboration with KAIST, which possesses the best AI and SW technology capabilities in Korea. We will spare no support to lead changes in customers’ lives and innovation across industries to contribute to Korea’s development.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.