- DGIST launches AI/SW School to train future AI and software leaders, set to open in March 2026
- New hub to offer a five-stage curriculum, non-graded learning system, and hands-on research pathways for young learners
- Initiative aims to boost national competitiveness, expand regional innovation, and connect students to global research ecosystems
DGIST has unveiled a significant educational undertaking with the opening of the DGIST AI/SW School, a new regional hub that will train the next generation of leaders in artificial intelligence and software. It is scheduled to open officially in March 2026 and represents DGIST's commitment to enhancing national competitiveness by providing greater access to advanced education in fields fast becoming integral to leading positions globally in technology.
With AI and software increasingly driving economies, industries, and the wider social environment, DGIST is committed to sharing its research strengths and educational resources with the wider community, in particular young learners, within Daegu and the Gyeongsangbuk-do region. The School of AI/SW will develop powerful creative problem-solving students based on the convergence technology and practical curriculum at DGIST.
It is located near Dongdaegu Station for good accessibility; the school will run a 'creative convergence exploration project' targeting students in grades from the sixth to the tenth grade. Moreover, instead of organizing students by grade, the school will employ a non-grading system in which students will be grouped according to their abilities and engage in more active and effective learning.
The initiative offers a systematic five-stage growth curriculum: Basic, Intensive, Advanced, Mentorship, and Master. The Basic Course will begin in March 2026 with 10 students, teaching basic AI and software ideas, including Python programming. Another group of 10 students will enter the Intensive Course, which allows learners to be exposed to the various research areas within DGIST's AI ecosystem. The Advanced Course will delve into deeper areas of applied AI, such as medical computing and physical computing.
Finally, in 2027, DGIST will introduce the Mentorship Course, focused on professor-student research collaborations, and the Master Course, pushing students into graduate-level research guided by professors. In addition to these programs, special lectures and exploratory workshops will be held, along with summer camp programs for strengthening the independent research capability of students.
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Complementing the core AI/SW curriculum, DGIST will also implement a joint high school program for the students regarding academic planning, career guidance, and university admissions. Cognitive science, robotics, and AI/SW courses will be launched in the first semester of 2026, along with new biology and MINI MBA courses in the second semester. Through these programs, including internship opportunities and international university exchange programs, students can be directly exposed to global research environments and multicultural academic experiences.
DGIST President Lee Kun-woo made remarks, saying that the AI/SW School will give more opportunities for young learners to experience world-class research and start-up culture early in life. He added that this venture would contribute to national competitiveness while simultaneously ensuring balanced regional development. Seok Chang-won, Director of the Convergence Talent Academy, noted that the school’s full-cycle education model will nurture future AI and software professionals with deep knowledge and practice.
It also plans to develop the AI/SW School into a convergence talent ecosystem in the long term, and DGIST hopes to create a virtuous cycle that connects research and education with entrepreneurial growth, positioning the region as an innovation-driven development hub.
