Pohang City Launches Industry-Academia-Research Cooperation System... Accelerates Bid to Host National AI Computing Center

Accelerating the Creation of an AI-Based Smart City
to Address Key Challenges Such as Regional Extinction and Population Decline

Pohang City is taking full-scale action to drive regional innovation using artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

On the 10th, the city signed a 'National AI Computing Center Attraction and AI Industry Innovation Cooperation MOU' with the Korea Artificial Intelligence Association, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Handong Global University, and the Gyeongbuk Economic Promotion Agency.

Pohang City Activates Industry-Academia-Research Cooperation System... Full-Scale Efforts to Attract National AI Computing Center. Photo by Pohang City

The event, held in the city hall's main conference room, was attended by Mayor Lee Kangdeok, Kim Hyuncheol, President of the Korea Artificial Intelligence Association, Jeong Gyuyeol, Vice President of POSTECH, Cho Yunseok, Vice President of Handong Global University, and Song Gyeongchang, President of the Gyeongbuk Economic Promotion Agency, who gathered to express their commitment to building a local AI ecosystem.

This agreement was promoted to address major local challenges such as regional extinction and population decline through AI technology, and to establish a strategic foundation for Pohang to become the center of South Korea's AI industry.

Based on this agreement, Pohang City plans to accelerate the creation of an AI-based smart city and the attraction of the National AI Computing Center.

Main areas of cooperation include ▲AI data analysis and predictive model development ▲AI-driven, region-specific job creation ▲Introduction of AI solutions for smart agriculture and manufacturing.

In particular, the city will focus on improving the quality of life for citizens by building AI-based smart infrastructure to solve urban issues such as transportation, environment, and safety.

Furthermore, strategies are being pursued to boost productivity and secure global competitiveness by converging regional key industries such as steel, secondary batteries, bio, and hydrogen with AI technology.

Efforts to foster AI talent are also being accelerated. POSTECH and Handong Global University will lead research and development (R&D) for the convergence of local industries and AI technology, and plan to nurture future talent by designing AI education programs for youth and university students.

The Gyeongbuk Economic Promotion Agency will support AI startups and small and medium-sized enterprises, laying the foundation for the local AI industrial ecosystem and seeking to revitalize the regional economy.

Pohang City plans to solidify the foundation for attracting the 'National AI Computing Center,' a key initiative, by establishing a region-specific AI industrial ecosystem centered on an AI cooperation system involving academia, industry, and research institutes.

Mayor Lee Kangdeok said, "AI technology is the core driving force for future industries," and added, "We will vigorously pursue the attraction of the National AI Computing Center and the digital transformation of local industries so that Pohang can establish itself as a hub of AI innovation."

To proactively respond to the era of artificial intelligence, Pohang City established the Digital Convergence Industry Division in 2023 and is accelerating the creation of a Pohang-style AI ecosystem.

In November last year, the city declared the 'AI Leading City Gyeongbuk Pohang Vision,' launched the AI Innovation Committee based on public-private cooperation, and is making all-out efforts to attract the National AI Computing Center by establishing institutional foundations such as related support ordinances and fund creation.

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