GIST and aT Sign MOU for AI-Based Innovation in the Agro-Food Industry

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology and Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the 11th to promote the digital transformation of the agro-food industry based on artificial intelligence (AI). Photo by Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology

On August 11, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) in the main conference room on the second floor of the administrative building to promote the digital transformation of the agro-food industry based on artificial intelligence (AI).

The signing ceremony was attended by key executives and researchers from GIST, including President Lim Ki Cheol, Vice President for External Affairs Jung Yonghwa, Director of External Cooperation Kim Jaegwan, Professor Park Dohyun of the Department of AI Convergence, and Professor Kim Kibaek of the Graduate School of AI Policy and Strategy.

From aT, President Hong Moonpyo, Director of Digital Innovation Kim Seokju, Director of Integrity Training Center Kim Saeshin, Head of Gwangju-Jeonnam Regional Headquarters Ko Jeonghee, Head of Information Security Planning Kim Euijeong, and Head of Digital Operations Gil Seungkwan, along with about 10 other officials, were present.

Through this agreement, the two organizations plan to combine GIST's advanced research capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and climate and environmental technologies with aT's agro-food distribution and logistics systems and domestic and international networks. This collaboration is expected to create significant synergy in responding to the rapidly changing agro-food industry environment and in building a future-oriented agro-food distribution ecosystem based on advanced technologies.

The agreement includes measures to strengthen mutual exchange and cooperation in a total of five areas. The main points are: ▲ exchange of technology and information to establish big data and AI models for each sector, such as agro-food distribution, export, and supply-demand; ▲ cooperation and exchange for fostering talent in AI and data science in the agro-food industry; ▲ joint utilization of data and infrastructure for discovering tasks in future new industries; ▲ training AI and data professionals for the agro-food sector and strengthening the regional industrial ecosystem through networking of experts in AI and intelligent information technologies; and ▲ joint use of facilities and equipment owned by both organizations.

Lim Ki Cheol, President of GIST, stated, "As a research-oriented university that solves social challenges through science and technology, this agreement marks a meaningful first step toward advancing and ensuring the sustainability of the agro-food industry. GIST will continue to actively cooperate so that our research achievements can bring real changes to the agricultural and food industry, and further contribute to the new digital economic growth of the entire country."

Hong Moonpyo, President of Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, said, "It is very meaningful to promote digital innovation in the agro-food industry in partnership with GIST, a leading institution in AI research in Korea. The corporation will do its utmost to realize digital innovation across the entire cycle from production to distribution and export by integrating AI into both upstream and downstream agricultural industries, thereby increasing the income of farmers and fishermen and ensuring food security for the public."

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