On March 28, UNIST held the first ‘2025 UNIST Industry-Academia Convergence Forum‘ in the University-Industry Cooperation Building, marking a significant step in connecting regional industries with advanced science and technology to establish a foundation for industrial innovation in Ulsan. Approximately 80 representatives from local industries and public institutions attended the event.
The theme of the forum, ‘AX (AI Transformation) Open Innovation in the Industry Sector,’ highlighted the reaffirmed belief among participants that AI serves as a key driver of productivity and innovation within the manufacturing industry. The necessity for collaboration among industries and the expansion of the application of advanced technologies in practice were particularly emphasized.
A model for integrating AI into Ulsan’s manufacturing-centric industry was presented during the forum, with intensive discussions focused on identifying new growth sectors, such as smart manufacturing and eco-friendly energy, based on UNIST’s research findings.
Chairman Keum Ryong Lee of Challenge and Sharing Ltd. delivered a keynote speech, stating, “In the AI era, swift execution and open-mindedness are essential for effective leadership,” while discussing the impact of entrepreneurial spirit and organizational culture innovation on corporate growth.
Subsequent presentations by Managing Director Il-Kyung Sung of Hwaseung Corp. and Vice President Seong-Joo Kim of DIC Corp. showcased the successes of open innovation initiatives from both large- and medium-sized enterprises, highlighting cases of AI-driven automation and collaborative development with startups.
Adding to the dialogue, CEOs Ki-Soo Kim of DEEP-AI Inc. and Myung-Hoon Kim of CRESC AI Inc. shared their experiences in developing essential AI solutions for manufacturing through big data analytics and their collaborative efforts with manufacturing firms.
President Chong Rae Park of UNIST is delivering a welcome remark at the ‘2025 UNIST Industry-Academia Convergence Forum on March 28, 2025.
Moving forward, UNIST intends to hold the Industry-Academia Convergence Forum quarterly to enhance communication with local enterprises, establishing a platform that promotes technology cooperation rooted in on-site demand and the wider spread of entrepreneurship and technology commercialization. Each forum will explore diverse topics, including AI application and entrepreneurial initiatives, tailored to various industrial characteristics and corporate challenges.
UNIST President Chong Rae Park commented, “UNIST aspires to establish a practical model of industry-academia convergence where both universities and companies can thrive together,” emphasizing the vision to evolve the forum into a platform that propels industrial innovation in South Korea, rooted in Ulsan.
