41 Universities Selected for 'Advanced Bootcamp' to Foster AI, Future Vehicle, and Robotics Talent

Classes are being conducted at Gachon University, which was selected for the 2024 bio field bootcamp. Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology.

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Forty-one universities have been newly selected for a government support program aimed at fostering talent in advanced industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), future vehicles, and robotics. Over the next five years, these universities will receive more than 7 billion won in funding to nurture practical, industry-ready professionals aligned with industrial demand.

According to the results of the "2026 Advanced Industry Talent Bootcamp" selection, announced on March 4 by the Ministry of Education and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), two additional universities were chosen this year in each of the robotics and future vehicle fields, responding to the spread of Physical AI. For the AI sector, universities were selected by region, with 30 schools located outside the Seoul metropolitan area and 7 within the metropolitan area, reflecting local industrial demand.

The "Advanced Industry Talent Bootcamp" is an intensive, short-term education program of up to one year, jointly developed and operated by universities and companies. The goal is to train specialized professionals with strong field adaptability through a work-oriented curriculum. Last year, the program supported 47 universities in seven fields: semiconductors, secondary batteries, bio, displays, aerospace, future vehicles, and AI.

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A total of 103 universities submitted project proposals for this year’s program, resulting in fierce competition. By field, there were 87 applications in AI (2.35 to 1), 5 in robotics (2.5 to 1), and 11 in future vehicles (5.5 to 1). The total budget for 2026 is 134.175 billion won (for 88 universities, funded by KIAT), and the project period is five years (three years plus an additional two years).

The final list of selected universities will be confirmed after an objection period, and each university will receive approximately 7.125 billion won in financial support over five years (about 1.425 billion won per year) in collaboration with companies. Based on this, the universities will work with industry partners to conduct job analysis, develop and jointly operate courses, and run on-site training programs. Students who complete the program will be awarded micro-degrees and similar credentials, which can be used for employment in related fields.

Existing participating universities are already showing results. Kyonggi University, selected in the semiconductor sector, has engaged 15 industry experts to jointly design and operate 12 courses; Dongyang Mirae University has expanded hands-on courses utilizing cleanrooms and collaborative semiconductor robots, raising the proportion of practical training from 54% to 72%. In the secondary battery sector, Kunsan National University has strengthened its foundation for developing practical talent through major-related hands-on practice and company internships during vacation periods.

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