Google is partnering with universities on AI development

Google Korea is partnering with two Korean educational institutions to train and sponsor future artificial intelligence (AI) experts.

The Korean unit of the Menlo Park, California-based company announced in a statement Monday that it has signed agreements with Seoul National University and KAIST over the last week to provide research and educational support for students.

Google Korea is offering up to $50,000 each for AI-related research projects from two faculty members at each university. The project participants will be allowed to partner with Google’s engineers and researchers for their initiatives.

The Korean unit is also providing educational material related to Google’s cloud platform technology for students at the two institutions. In addition, the company is offering students a chance to participate in its one-year Ph.D. fellowship program with travel grants of up to $3,000 for their attendance at relevant overseas academic conferences.

Students could be offered internship opportunities, Google Korea added.

Google Korea said it decided to offer the opportunity to Seoul National University and KAIST based on the solid progress the company saw in partnering with the universities for research projects in the past.

“Google believe AI technology will play a pivotal role in enhancing Korea’s economy and industries,” said Google Korea CEO John Lee.

“Through this agreement on AI research and education with Seoul National University and KAIST, we plan to support local university-led AI research and efforts to help raise Korean AI talent while driving continuous innovation in the field of AI.”

BY KO JUN-TAE [ko.juntae@joongang.co.kr]