Krafton said on Tuesday it will hold an 'AI R&D Hackathon' to identify talent in artificial intelligence (AI) research and development (R&D) and is recruiting participants.

The hackathon is Krafton’s first AI R&D hackathon for the general public. Anyone can apply regardless of major, age, career or education. Applications will be accepted until March 27. Participants will solve related problems within a limited time and have their AI-based research and development capabilities assessed.

The competition will be held in two stages: a preliminary round and a final. The first preliminary round will be held online on March 28 and 29 for 4 hours each day. Those who pass the first round will take part in the second, offline final round to be held on April 4 and 5 at Krafton’s Yeoksam office.

Total prize money is 9 million won. The first-place winner will receive 5 million won, second place 3 million won and third place 1 million won.

The top 10 participants will be offered a fast-track opportunity in Krafton’s recruitment process, exempting them from document screening, a job test and a job interview, and sending them directly to the final interview.

Lee Kang-wook (이강욱), Krafton’s chief AI officer, said, "Krafton AI is broadening the depth and scope of its research, aiming to become a research organisation." He added, "This hackathon will be a stage where people can prove their potential regardless of background or experience."