Busan's Donga University Selected for 2026 AI-Centric University Project With 25.2 Billion Won Over 8 Years

South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT announced the results of the 2026 AI-Centric University competitive project, selecting Donga University in Busan. The city of Busan and Donga University will invest a total of 25.2 billion won over eight years from 2026 to 2033, including 21.2 billion won in national funding. The project is titled Demonstration-Based AI-Centric University Leading the Physical AI Transformation (Physical AX) for Specialized Industries in the Southeastern Region, covering manufacturing, energy, maritime, port and shipbuilding sectors.

This is a case of a South Korean central government competitive project combining a local university with local industry, directly changing the curriculum structure, degree pathways and industry practice conditions for AI talent cultivation. It is relevant to those tracking university AI program design, university-industry cooperation and regional talent retention. Its effect depends on whether on-site demonstration projects, corporate partnerships and internships materialize as planned; the public information so far covers only the selection and the investment scale. Manufacturing, energy, maritime, port and shipbuilding companies in Busan and the southeastern region gain university AI demonstration projects and long-term internship channels. Donga University students can receive systematic AI and AX training through AI for All courses, the AX Convergence College and the FastTrack integrated program.