Pukyong National University

Pukyong National University Launches the Busan Shared University 'AI Innovation Major' Program

- 41 students selected from eight universities; full-scale training of region-based AI convergence talent begins

The RISE Program Office at Pukyong National University (Director Ha Myung-Shin, Vice President for External Affairs) will officially launch the Busan Shared University “AI Innovation Major” beginning in the first semester of the 2026 academic year, marking the start of a full-scale initiative to cultivate region-based AI convergence talent.

The AI Innovation Major is a newly established interdisciplinary program within the Busan Shared University framework. The program was created to train professionals with specialized expertise in artificial intelligence and strong interdisciplinary capabilities, based on collaboration among regional universities. Pukyong National University has been preparing for the program’s launch since the second half of last year, including curriculum development and the organization of participating faculty.

The AI Innovation Major consists of two tracks―SW Track and AI Track―comprising a total of 24 courses and is designed as a systematic curriculum structured into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. A total of 57 faculty members from eight universities in the Busan region will participate in supporting the operation of the program.

In the first semester of the 2026 academic year, 41 students were finally selected for the program, exceeding the initial target of 30 students. The selected group includes not only students majoring in computer engineering and artificial intelligence, but also those from diverse academic backgrounds, reflecting the program’s aim as a convergence major in the field of artificial intelligence.

In addition to its formal curriculum, the AI Innovation Major will operate industry-linked extracurricular programs such as industry collaboration projects, special lectures by industry professionals, and mentoring programs, with the goal of cultivating students with strong practical competencies. Through these initiatives, students will be supported in developing problem-solving abilities and interdisciplinary capabilities required in real industrial settings.

The RISE Program Office of Pukyong National University held a launch workshop and operational planning meeting for the AI Innovation Major on February 2 and plans to continue expanding cooperation with participating universities and industry partners. Through these efforts, the university aims to further strengthen a regional AI talent development system aligned with the needs of local industries. <Pukyong Today>