SKKU Selected as Top University in Leading Future Growth Industries under Gyeonggi RISE Program

• -Selected for 10 projects in key sectors including semiconductors, AI, bio, and quantum; secures KRW 20 billion over 5 years
• -Leads regional innovation with the vision of becoming a “Global Fandom Economy Hub”

Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) has been selected as a leading university for the RISE (Regional Innovation System & Education) program, jointly administered by the Ministry of Education and Gyeonggi Province. As the primary university in the region, SKKU will spearhead an innovative university-industry cooperation model aligned with Gyeonggi Province’s strategic industries.

The RISE program will be implemented over five years beginning in 2025. It represents a new higher education support system that connects universities’ capabilities in industry-academia cooperation with local industrial demands. SKKU will lead a total of 10 major projects worth KRW 20 billion, focusing on Korea’s key “G7 Industries”: semiconductors, AI, bio, and quantum technologies—positioning itself as a central driver of regional innovation.

Under the slogan “SKKU: The Anchor University of a New AI Era, with Gyeonggi Province,” the university has put forth a bold future vision: creating a global fandom economy hub in partnership with Gyeonggi Province. To achieve this, SKKU has established concrete implementation strategies including: ▲Training 10,000 G7-industry experts ▲Establishing a joint university-industry-research ecosystem (GAIA) ▲Supporting 50 G7 startups ▲Building a settlement-friendly ecosystem for international students

A key pillar of this initiative is GAIA (Gyeonggi Academia-Industry Alliance), which aims to form a global network across semiconductors, AI, bio, and quantum sectors. This alliance will drive technological innovation and regional economic growth through full-cycle collaboration including joint demonstration projects, technology transfer, and startup incubation.

Furthermore, SKKU plans to cultivate highly skilled professionals who meet the demands of local industries through customized AI/DX-based education and standardized, field-oriented training programs. This initiative will go beyond simple financial support, integrating closely with SKKU’s existing programs such as LINC 3.0, the Entrepreneurship-Focused University Project, and the University Innovation Support Program.

Structural innovation will also take place, including: Reforming internal personnel, budget, and research systems, Strengthening academic programs centered around G7 and GX industries, Introducing industry-friendly institutional frameworks.

Professor Jae Boong Choi, Director of the SKKU RISE Program, commented: “Through the RISE initiative, we aim to advance industry-academia cooperation, build a regionally tailored startup ecosystem, and expand our global partnerships. Together with Gyeonggi Province, we will lead a sustainable model for regional innovation based on world-class technology and creativity.”

With this selection, SKKU has laid the groundwork to both strengthen global competitiveness and foster mutual growth with the local community. Moving forward, the university plans to expand collaboration with other universities and institutions across Gyeonggi Province, positioning itself as a national model for regional innovation.