UNIST and Korea Zinc to Train 300 AI Smart Process Specialists

AI Training MOU: Three Months of Data-Driven Practical Learning
Expanding Full-Cycle Collaboration in Joint Research, Technical Consulting, and Commercialization

UNIST (President Jongrae Park) and Korea Zinc are joining forces to cultivate AI talent specialized for industrial sites.

On August 11, the two organizations signed a business agreement aimed at strengthening the company-wide AI capabilities of Korea Zinc's employees.

UNIST President Jongrae Park (5th from left) and Onsan Smelter Manager Seunghyun Kim of Korea Zinc (4th from left), along with other officials from UNIST and Korea Zinc, are signing a business agreement and taking a commemorative photo. Provided by UNIST

This agreement is part of Korea Zinc's ongoing "AI-based Smart Smelter" strategy.

UNIST plans to systematically foster practical AI talent to accelerate the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry. The training program will target approximately 300 Korea Zinc employees and will run for about four months starting September 2.

The curriculum is designed to enable the practical application of AI technologies in industrial settings. In particular, project-based learning (PBL) using real process data is at the core of the program. The focus is on developing the ability to solve complex on-site problems using AI.

In addition, the two organizations will expand the scope of their cooperation. They will specify practical areas of collaboration, including carrying out industry problem-solving projects, conducting joint research based on AI, and providing technical consulting. They also plan to pursue strategic cooperation that can lead to technology commercialization in the future.

President Jongrae Park stated, "AI is a key tool for enhancing industrial competitiveness," adding, "Through our partnership with Korea Zinc, UNIST will focus on cultivating AI professionals tailored to industrial sites and take the lead in the digital transformation of the regional manufacturing sector."

A Korea Zinc official commented, "For the success of the smart smelter, it is essential for employees to have a deep understanding of AI and the ability to apply it in practice," and added, "We will strengthen our data-driven management capabilities and build a technology-centered organizational culture."

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