KAIST announced on the 11th that Jeong In-seo (28), an undergraduate student in the School of Transdisciplinary Studies and CEO of global music-tech startup MPAG, donated 1 billion won to the university’s development fund on the 10th for the cultivation of “inclusive AI” talent.
Inclusive AI talent refers to experts who research and develop technologies to ensure that socially disadvantaged groups, including people with disabilities and those with limited access to technology, can benefit from AI.
Jeong is a student entrepreneur who has been dedicated to “solving social problems through technology” while balancing startup operations and research activities during his studies.
Working with his advisor Professor Ka Hyun-wook of the School of Transdisciplinary Studies, he has consistently researched how technology can support marginalized populations.
His research on software for the hearing impaired, studies on users requiring language support in media, and research on two-way communication assistive technology devices for the deaf-blind have garnered attention at domestic and international conferences, resulting in multiple patent applications filed under KAIST’s name.
He founded global music-tech startup MPAG, which operates a sheet music sales platform and AI music education service with over 4 million members worldwide. The company is also developing braille sheet music features for the visually impaired.
The donation will be used to establish a master’s and doctoral education and research program in “AI-based Assistive Technology” for people with disabilities and technologically underserved populations within the newly established KAIST AI College.
The program aims to conduct AI-based assistive technology research for people with disabilities and technologically disadvantaged groups, cultivate master’s and doctoral talent in related fields, and build an inclusive technology ecosystem. Professor Ka Hyun-wook, an expert in this field, will oversee operations and mentorship to ensure research continuity and expertise.
“At a time when AI technology is advancing rapidly, expanding to ‘inclusive AI’ that reaches people with disabilities and technologically underserved populations is absolutely necessary,” Jeong said. “I am confident that this formal graduate program will increase talent in this field, and KAIST’s specialized AI research capabilities will serve as the catalyst.”
This is not his first donation. He contributed through the development foundation in 2024 and 2025, with an additional 1 billion won this year. The 2024 donation was used to create a “Creative Workshop” for junior students in the School of Transdisciplinary Studies to realize creative ideas, while the 2025 donation supported the School of Computing.
“Jeong In-seo’s decision to donate the fruits of his entrepreneurship as a student for his alma mater’s future and the realization of social value sets a great example for all KAIST members,” said KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung. “We will do our best to cultivate inclusive AI talent so that the benefits of technology can spread throughout society, honoring the donor’s wishes.”
