On the 24th, the 3rd high-tech district of the R&D special zone in Buk-gu, Gwangju. Internal construction of the data center was in full swing at the site where the Ministry of Science and ICT and Gwangju City were building the “Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integrated Complex.” Along with the internal finishing work, equipment was also coming in one by one. It is the largest data center in Korea with 91.5 billion won invested. After completion in August next year, it plans to provide computing services to 910 companies by 2024 when it starts operating in earnest from the end of next year after a trial operation.
○ AI Research – Start-up Support – Demonstration in One Place


The “Gwangju AI Integrated Complex,” which is currently under construction, is drawing attention as an innovative base that will dramatically boost Korea’s AI competitiveness. The government and Gwangju Metropolitan Government are investing 411.9 billion won (including 50.8 billion won in research and development budget) in a land area of 46,246 square meters. AI-related capabilities such as heavy equipment research facilities, start-up support facilities, and data centers will be gathered in one place.

Although the demand for AI in the industry is increasing, it is difficult to secure related manpower and demonstration space. In fact, AI development strategies that gather infrastructure, talent, and research and development in the form of clusters are also being promoted in AI powerhouses such as the U.S., China, and Canada. President Yoon Suk Yeol is also showing great interest to the extent that he visited the site of the construction of an integrated complex twice in December last year when he was a presidential candidate and in April this year when he was elected.

In the middle of the integrated complex, support facilities for start-ups such as AI start-up camps will be located. Starting with start-up education and mentoring for prospective start-ups, consulting on attracting investment in the start-up process, and supporting the development of prototypes and services will be provided in one place. It also plans to operate practical talent training programs such as AI job conversion education, AI convergence college, and AI high-quality talent training. By attracting AI companies not only in Gwangju but also in other regions, balanced development effects such as new employment and investment expansion can be expected.