Four Nationally Funded Programs Join Forces to Advance Generative AI-Based Convergence Education

From Problem Definition to Validation and Industrial Application, YU Cultivates Practice-Oriented AI Convergence Talent Through Multidisciplinary Collaboration

[June 18, 2026]

 YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) has introduced a new model of practice-oriented convergence education that empowers students to solve real-world social and industrial challenges using generative artificial intelligence (AI), further advancing its efforts to nurture future-ready talent. From May 20 to 22, YU hosted the “2026 SW·HUSS·COSS Joint Convergence AI Hackathon” at Sono Belle Cheongsong.

 The event was jointly organized by YU’s SW Star University Project Group, the Digital-Humanities and Universities for Social Sustainability (D-HUSS) Project Group, the HUSS Global Coexistence Project Group, and the Eco-Up Convergence and Open Sharing System (COSS) Project Group. Forty students from diverse academic backgrounds participated in generative AI-based convergence projects.

 Unlike conventional training programs that focus simply on how to use generative AI tools, this hackathon was designed to help students identify real-world social and industrial problems and develop their own solutions. Throughout the projects, participants analyzed why particular problems arise, how they affect society, how they relate to current industries, and whether they could generate new economic value. 

 The program was also designed to encourage students to use generative AI not merely as a tool for producing outputs, but as a practical tool for solving real-world problems. Rather than accepting AI-generated outputs at face value, students repeatedly evaluated and refined the purpose, process, and validity of AI-generated results to strengthen their ability to use AI critically and effectively. Participants completed the entire project cycle, including problem definition, market and demand analysis, generative AI application, service planning, prototype development, result validation, and final presentations. Through this process, they enhanced not only their technical skills but also the problem-solving and decision-making abilities required in real industrial settings.

 Another distinguishing feature of the program was its emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration. Students from engineering, humanities and social sciences, and energy-related disciplines worked together as teams, gaining firsthand experience in understanding and integrating different academic perspectives and ways of thinking. By coordinating diverse ideas and developing innovative solutions, participants cultivated the collaborative skills and interdisciplinary mindset increasingly required in the future workforce.

 The competition produced a wide range of projects addressing challenges in education, the environment, and local communities, including a Campus Energy Management System that integrates AI with renewable energy technologies. Students explored the practical feasibility of their ideas using generative AI and developed tangible outcomes, gaining valuable experience through hands-on, industry-oriented projects.

 Student satisfaction with the program was also notably high, with 81.8 percent of participants reporting positive overall evaluations. YU plans to continue expanding problem-solving educational programs that combine generative AI with convergence education.

 JUNG Jin-young, Director of the Eco-Up COSS Project Group, said, “It was particularly impressive to see students combine AI and energy technologies to propose solutions for everyday and regional issues. Beyond technological achievements, this was a meaningful program that encouraged students to consider social value.” 

 NOH Sang-rae, Director of the D-HUSS Project Group, remarked, “Even in the age of artificial intelligence, the ability to understand people and society remains essential. It was highly meaningful to see students integrate humanities and social science perspectives with digital technologies to analyze problems and design solutions.” 

 JUNG Jae-hak, Director of the HUSS Global Coexistence Project Group, added, “This was a valuable opportunity for students from diverse disciplines to reflect together on a sustainable future from the perspective of coexistence between humans and AI, putting the values of global coexistence into practice. I hope these achievements will open new possibilities for connecting academia and industry.” 

 PARK Yong-wan, Director of the YU’s SW Star University Project Group, stated, “In the era of generative AI, the ability to define problems, use AI appropriately, and validate outcomes is more important than simply mastering technology itself. This program was designed as a practice-oriented convergence education model that allows students to experience the entire process of solving real social and industrial challenges.” He continued, “YU will continue to innovate its educational programs so that students can grow into AI and digital convergence professionals capable of creating new value in industry and society after graduation.”