Science ministry opens AI semiconductor institute at Hanyang University

The science ministry said Thursday it has opened the AI Semiconductor Innovation Institute at Hanyang University to accelerate the development of next-generation chip technologies and cultivate specialized talent.

The facility joins Yonsei University and Sungkyunkwan University, selected in 2025, and Seoul University, added this year, as part of a national agenda to secure ultra-disparity AI leading technologies and human resources. The move aligns with the government's designation of building a 'K-AI Semiconductor Full Package Ecosystem' as one of its three major mega-projects.

Funded for up to six years under a 3-plus-3 year structure, the institute will receive an average annual subsidy, starting with a smaller amount in the first year. The support is intended to train more than 110 master's and doctoral-level experts, beginning with fewer students in the initial year and scaling to 20 annually thereafter.

To ensure graduates are ready for immediate deployment, the institute has organized six research centers focusing on AI semiconductor device automation, PIM system design, smart displays, IoT robot neural processing units, intelligent chiplet design, and AI algorithms. The program requires the derivation of research projects based on neural processing unit (NPU) technologies to strengthen practical student capabilities.

Major technology firms including DB HiTek, SK hynix, Samsung Display, LG Electronics, Dinotisia and Anyute have joined as joint or cooperating institutions. These companies will work alongside university researchers and graduate students to conduct in-depth studies on actual research topics.

Park Tae-wan, the ministry's director general for information and communications industry policy, emphasized that building a partnership ecosystem where companies and universities grow together is essential for leading advancements in high-performance, energy-efficient AI chips. "We will not spare support so that the Hanyang University AI Semiconductor Innovation Institute can establish itself as a hub for industry-academia cooperation leading advanced technology development and core talent cultivation," Park said.