Science ministry opens AI chip institute at Seoul National University

The science ministry said Monday it opened an AI Semiconductor Innovation Research Institute at Seoul National University, backing the center with an average of 2 billion won ($1.47 million) a year for up to six years to train more than 110 master's and doctoral researchers.

Launched with the state-run Institute of Information and Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation, the institute held its opening ceremony at the university's semiconductor research center, drawing about 50 attendees including Seoul National University planning vice president Kim Joon-ki, professor Ryu Su-jung, who heads the institute, and AI chip industry officials.

Funding starts at 1 billion won ($735,294) in the first year and supports 20 students annually. The institute is the fourth under a government program to train specialists in advanced technologies, carried out as part of the national agenda to secure AI lead technologies and talent, following the selection of Yonsei University and Sungkyunkwan University in 2025 and Hanyang University and Seoul National University this year.

Operating through five research centers under Ryu, who has more than 20 years of industry experience, the institute will pursue research tied to industry needs, with LG Electronics, FuriosaAI, GenosCube Korea, Analog AI and SqueezeBits as partner companies.

"As AI semiconductors change rapidly toward high performance and ultra-low power, pooling next-generation AI semiconductor technology capabilities is essential for the success of building a full-package K-AI semiconductor ecosystem," said Lee Do-kyu, director general of the ministry's information and communications policy bureau. "The government will spare no support so that cooperation between industry and academia centered on the Seoul National University AI Semiconductor Innovation Research Institute can produce world-class research and train core talent."