On April 9, UNIST held the inaugural ceremony for the first cohort of its ‘AI CEO Program‘ at Pioneers Campus. The program welcomed 41 executives from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies in the region, focusing on advancing AI-driven innovation within the manufacturing sector.
The UNIST AI CEO Program was established to cultivate leadership capable of spearheading the digital transformation of local manufacturing industries. Demonstrating strong regional demand, applications far exceeded the available spots, with participation more than doubling the initial capacity. The program is scheduled to run biweekly on Wednesdays through November, offering practical training in AI technology understanding, management strategy integration, smart manufacturing, process optimization, and data-driven decision-making.
A key feature of the program is the application of UNIST research findings to real-world scenarios, particularly targeting the region’s core industries such as shipbuilding, automotive, and petrochemicals. Participants will learn how to implement AI technologies directly within their enterprises, fostering innovation and competitiveness.
The program is planned to be an annual initiative, with recruitment opening each March and classes commencing in April 2025. Post-completion, participants will engage in networking activities, promoting ongoing collaboration and industry-academic partnerships. An alumni association will also be established to support the expansion of the AI innovation ecosystem.
Director Namhum Kim of Pioneers Campus stated, “Building upon the success of the AI Novatus Academia Certification Program, which has trained 90 companies and 210 professionals, we are now launching strategic AI education tailored for business leaders.” He added, “We hope this program will accelerate the digital transformation of regional manufacturing industries and serve as a pivotal step toward strengthening their global competitiveness.”
This initiative marks UNIST’s first leadership-focused educational program based on the achievements of the AI Novatus Academia Certification Program. It aims to catalyze regional digital transformation and reinforce the vibrant industry-academic ecosystem in Ulsan.
