UNIST announced the official launch of UNIAI, a generative AI platform developed entirely in-house. This pioneering achievement positions UNIST as Korea’s first university to independently build and operate an AI infrastructure utilizing open-source large language models (LLMs).
Unlike merely integrating external AI services, UNIST has established its own AI ecosystem by deploying high-performance GPU servers within its campus, creating a secure, self-sufficient environment. The platform leverages advanced container orchestration tools like Kubernetes for automatic resource management and high-speed AI processing engines (vLLM) to ensure rapid response times and operational efficiency.
A key advantage of UNIAI is its robust security framework. All generated data remains strictly within the university’s infrastructure, preventing any external data leakage. Sensitive information like research data and academic records are securely handled, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with privacy standards.
UNIAI‘s architecture adopts a hybrid model, combining on-premises infrastructure with cloud integration. The platform connects with Microsoft Azure, enabling access to cutting-edge global models such as GPT-5, Grok4, and Mistral within a unified environment. This flexible setup allows for tailored AI deployment. For instance, internal models handle sensitive administrative and research tasks, while cloud-based models support educational activities and classroom applications.
Diagram of the UNIAI system configuration. | Image Credit: IT Strategy Team
Designed not merely as a conversational AI, UNIAI functions as an intelligent AI agent to streamline university operations. It utilizes Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) technology to search, summarize, and provide instant responses to internal documents, regulations, and guidelines. Complex queries and document analyses can be addressed seamlessly with simple questions, enhancing productivity across departments.
UNIST previously reduced the review period for technology transfer agreements from one month to just one day, leveraging an AI-based intellectual property management system developed by its Technology Licensing Team and IT Strategy Team. Building on this success, UNIAI aims to revolutionize university administration, research, and education through AI-driven innovation.
President Chong Rae Park stated, “UNIAI signifies a crucial milestone as UNIST advances toward becoming an AI campus. The fact that we developed this platform entirely in-house underscores its significance.” He added, “AI will serve as a tool to enhance creativity across all areas—education, research, and administration—empowering our members to innovate freely.”
UNIST plans to further evolve UNIAI into an ‘Agentic AI Campus‘ by integrating it with academic, research, and administrative systems, enabling autonomous decision-making and task execution. The university will progressively expand practical services such as academic inquiries, research support, and administrative automation, moving toward the realization of a truly AI-powered campus.
