Donga University to Transform Busan Industry with AI… 25.2 Billion Won to Be Invested Over 8 Years – The Asia Business Daily

A new project is launching to bring artificial intelligence (AI) out of university classrooms and into Busan’s industrial field.

Donga University is transforming into an “AI-Centric University,” placing artificial intelligence at the heart of its educational efforts and linking it seamlessly with the local industrial sector.

On September 30, Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Jeon Jaesoo) announced that Donga University has been selected as the final winner of the “2026 AI-Centric University” competitive project initiated by the Ministry of Science and ICT.

Busan City and Donga University will invest a total of 25.2 billion won over eight years from 2026 to 2033, which includes 21.2 billion won in national funding. The project is titled “Demonstration-Based AI-Centric University Leading the Physical Artificial Intelligence Transformation (Physical AX) for Specialized Industries in the Southeastern Region.”

Donga University was chosen for this initiative on the strength of its existing AI and software education foundation and achievements in university-industry collaboration, which were built through the software-centric university initiative. The university aims to go beyond nurturing software-centric talent by establishing a comprehensive AI talent cultivation system that spans industrial field demonstrations, employment and startup opportunities, and regional integration.

The educational framework will also undergo significant change. Donga University will restructure its College of Software into the College of Artificial Intelligence, establish “AX Convergence College,” and launch the graduate school “Department of AI Convergence.” Foundational “AI for All” courses will be offered to all students, and an integrated bachelor’s and master’s program called “FastTrack” covering AI and AX will also be operated.

The university will expand hands-on AI education directly at regional industry sites. AI technology will be progressively applied to major industries in Busan and the southeastern region, including manufacturing, energy, human care, as well as maritime, port, and shipbuilding sectors. On-site projects will test the commercial viability of these technologies, with university-industry cooperation projects and long-term internships available. Students will gain practical experience within companies, helping them to transition smoothly into employment at or entrepreneurship with local enterprises.

Busan City plans to use this project as a springboard to expand the local AI and software talent education base—previously centered on software—into an AI and AX-focused framework. The city will strengthen ties between universities and corporations, promote the AI transformation of regional key industries, and lay the groundwork for top talent to settle in Busan.

Mayor Jeon Jaesoo stated, “This will be an opportunity to further advance Busan’s local AI and software education foundation, built through the software-centric university program, and transform it into an education and industrial innovation ecosystem centered around AI.”

Mayor Jeon also emphasized, “We will actively support the creation of a virtuous cycle in which AI talent nurtured at the university drives AI transformation at local companies, finds employment or starts a business in Busan, and puts down roots in the region.”

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