Memorandum of Understanding Signed with Tilon for Cultivating Outstanding AI·SW Talent and Industry–Academia Cooperation

- A 'Metaverse and Virtualization Programme' to be established within the AI Convergence specialization of the graduate Department of Artificial Intelligence -

- AI and metaverse research capability to be strengthened through the joint establishment of the 'Tilon Metaverse and Virtualization Research Centre' -

▲(From left) President Shim Jong-hyuk; Choi Baek-jun, CEO of Tilon

On Friday 25 March, the University signed a memorandum of understanding with Tilon, a leading cloud virtualization company, for the cultivation of outstanding AI·software (SW) talent and industry–academia cooperation.

The signing ceremony, held in the main building, was attended by a number of senior figures including President Shim Jong-hyuk, Vice President for External Affairs Kim Soon-ki, Vice President for Academic Affairs Song Tae-kyong, Head of External Relations Chung Ok-hyun, Dean of the College of Engineering Choi Jung-woo, Chair of the Department of Artificial Intelligence Nang Jong-ho, Tilon CEO Choi Baek-jun and Tilon division head Yoon Ju-yeol.

Through this agreement the two organizations pledged to establish a 'Metaverse and Virtualization Programme' within the AI Convergence specialization of the graduate Department of Artificial Intelligence and to cultivate talent suited to their AI vision and strategy. They will also jointly establish the 'Tilon Metaverse and Virtualization Research Centre' within the University and work over the medium to long term to strengthen AI research capability and secure core technology.

In the process, the two sides will cooperate on ▲joint design of the curriculum for major courses, ▲joint operation of practical courses, ▲research and development and the exchange of related information, and ▲joint technology development and personnel exchange.

Tilon CEO Choi Baek-jun said: "Cultivating and securing specialist talent is more important than anything else if we are to respond to rapidly changing advanced industries," expressing the expectation that "Sogang University's systematic educational framework will be of great help in cultivating the talent that will play a pivotal role in AI and SW-related industries and in securing core capabilities."

President Shim Jong-hyuk said: "I am pleased to establish a cooperative relationship with a company leading the virtualization field in Korea," adding: "I hope we will produce excellent results through continued cooperation."

The University is meanwhile working with companies such as LG Electronics and Smilegate to establish and run AI programmes grounded in industry demand, in order to strengthen AI education and research capability at the heart of future industry. The 'Metaverse and Virtualization Programme' run jointly with Tilon will select its first industry–academia scholarship students in May, and details of recruitment can be found on the Graduate School website (https://gradsch.sogang.ac.kr/gradsch/index_new.html).