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[MOU signed on July 17 at Microsoft Korea headquarters to build an AI-integrated university model]

[Korea’s first university-wide integration of AI across education, research, and administration]

POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) is taking a bold step toward becoming Korea’s first “AI-Native University” in collaboration with Microsoft. This groundbreaking initiative introduces a transformative model of higher education, where generative AI is embedded at the core of all university functions—offering a glimpse into the future of global academia.

On July 17, POSTECH and Microsoft signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Microsoft Korea’s headquarters in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, to collaborate on the implementation of the AI-Native University initiative. The ceremony was attended by key figures from both institutions, including Seong Keun Kim, President of POSTECH;  Willy Cho (Wonwoo Cho), CEO of Microsoft Korea; and Young-Joo Suh, Dean of POSTECH’s Graduate School of Artificial Intelligence, who reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing AI-driven educational innovation.

Unlike earlier, piecemeal applications of AI in education, POSTECH’s approach marks a comprehensive transformation. It aims to integrate AI into every aspect of university life—from admissions and teaching to research and administration—marking an unprecedented approach in Korean higher education.

The initiative includes:

● AI-powered curriculum optimization

● Personalized AI tutoring systems

● Real-time learning analytics and feedback

● AI-based automation of administrative tasks to enhance focus on education and research

This transformation is expected to drive transformative change not only in alignment with Korea’s national AI strategy, but also across POSTECH’s overall competitiveness—from industry collaboration to global talent recruitment.

Through this agreement, POSTECH will also take a leading role in joint R&D with Microsoft in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The collaboration between a world-class science and technology university and a global tech giant marks a pivotal step in elevating Korea’s AI capabilities on the international stage. Earlier on July 8, POSTECH launched a dedicated ‘AI Committee’ co-chaired by President Kim and Dean Seo to accelerate its transition to an AI-Native University.

“This partnership goes beyond the adoption of new technologies—it represents a fundamental reimagining of higher education,” said President Kim. “POSTECH will take the lead in defining a new global standard for AI-driven universities of the future.”