On the 8th, YU Hosts Semiconductor Specialization University Project Launch Ceremony at CRC

Over 23 Billion KRW to be Invested in Semiconductor Specialization Support Programs

Expansion in Developing Next-Generation Semiconductor Industry and Workforce

[October 22, 2024]

<The launch ceremony for the 'Semiconductor Specialization University Project' took place on the afternoon of the 8th at YU's CRC.>

 Yeungnam University (YU), led by President CHOI Oe-chool, is intensifying its efforts in the 'Semiconductor Specialization University Project.' 

 On the afternoon of the 8th, YU held a launch ceremony for the 'Semiconductor Specialization University Project' at its Center for Research Complex (CRC), with YU President CHOI Oe-chool, Project Director KIM Jong-soo, and Deputy Director PARK Si-hyeon in attendance. Joining them were officials from the National Kumoh Institute of Technology (KIT), including KIT President KWAK Ho-sang and Project Director LEE Sang-hyo, as well as representatives from Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Gyeongsan City, and Gyeongbuk Technopark.

 The 'Semiconductor Specialization University Project' has been driven by the Center for Advanced Semiconductor Convergence Technology (CASCT), an essential part of YU’s mission. The center traces its origins to the Ministry of Knowledge Economy’s 2009 LED-IT Convergence Industrialization Research Center project, which brought in 40 billion KRW to build a comprehensive semiconductor fabrication facility (FAB) spanning 390 pyeong. Since then, ongoing government and local funding, including the 2023 Ministry of Education’s Regional University Activation Project in the semiconductor field and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Advanced Semiconductor Talent Development Program, have propelled CASCT's development. 

<From the left, fifth in line, KIT President KWAK Ho-sang, YU President CHOI Oe-chool.>

 In July, YU was selected for the Ministry of Education and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology’s Semiconductor Specialization University Support Program, in partnership with KIT, in the ‘Non-Metropolitan Co-Growth Type’ category. The project, running through 2028 for up to four years (2+2 years), will receive 28 billion KRW in national funding (with an estimated total project cost of 30.1 billion KRW, including local and university funds). The implementation of this project aims to:

 ▲Establish a regional semiconductor specialization university based on university-industry collaboration, thereby creating a talent cultivation and supply system for leading the next-generation mobility semiconductor (WBG, sensors, systems) industry.

 ▲Combine YU's strengths in device and process development with KIT's strengths in materials, components, and equipment, reflecting industry demands to drive the semiconductor sector.

 ▲Train practical personnel for the entire lifecycle of next-generation mobility semiconductors and establish a robust industry-academia cooperation system. Additionally, YU recently became the sole university selected for the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Next-Gen Semiconductor R&D Infrastructure Project, securing 14.95 billion KRW in funding over five years.

KIM Jong-soo, Head of the YU Semiconductor Specialization University Project (Professor of Physics), remarked, “With today’s ceremony, the Semiconductor Specialization University project is set to commence full-scale operations and will become a hub for next-generation semiconductor research and talent cultivation.” He added, “We will strive to ensure that the YU Semiconductor Device and Process Center establishes itself as a global center for research and education, extending beyond our region.”