Hoseo University, KAIST, and SK to Expand the AI Deep Tech Ecosystem in South Chungcheong Province

14 Organizations Sign Open Innovation Agreement

Connecting Startups, Investment, and Talent Across the Entire Value Chain

As competition intensifies for leadership in deep tech industries such as AI, semiconductors, and robotics, South Chungcheong Province has launched a large-scale collaboration model that brings together academia, industry, and research with investment. This marks the beginning of an expanded regional AI deep tech ecosystem.

On March 17, Hoseo University signed the “AI Deep Tech Open Innovation Program Business Agreement” at its Asan Campus with 14 organizations, including KAIST, SK Ecoplant, and SK Securities.

Participants in the agreement include South Chungcheong Provincial Government, Korea Electronics Technology Institute, Chungnam Content Agency, Cheonan Science and Industry Promotion Agency, the Centers for Creative Economy and Innovation in Seoul, Sejong, and South Chungcheong, Korea Science & Technology Holdings, Synergy IB Investment, and Platinum Technology Investment, among others.

This agreement was established to discover and nurture deep tech startups based on core technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and robotics, and to develop a cooperative system that connects technology development with commercialization and investment.

The participating organizations agreed to collaborate on: ▲joint operation of the AI Deep Tech Open Innovation Program ▲discovering and supporting the growth of AI-based startups ▲facilitating investment attraction ▲and nurturing AI professionals.

In particular, to respond to the expansion of AI businesses by large corporations and the increasing demand for technology, a “full-cycle support system” has been established to connect R&D outcomes to the market.

Kang Ilgu, President of Hoseo University, stated, “The sustainability of the AI deep tech industry ultimately depends on people,” adding, “Through practical training involving both companies and research institutes, we will systematically cultivate professionals needed in the industrial field.”

Lim Jaewook, Executive Vice President of SK Ecoplant, said, “We will create tangible innovation through collaboration with promising deep tech startups,” while Ahn Ho, Head of the Industrial Economy Office of the South Chungcheong Provincial Government, remarked, “By connecting AI technology with local industries, we will support technology startups and business growth, building a sustainable industrial ecosystem.”

With this agreement, Hoseo University is expected to accelerate the discovery of AI deep tech startups and support for technology-based entrepreneurship, further spreading the advanced industry ecosystem centered on South Chungcheong Province.

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