South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT is moving to train talent for the next-generation virtual convergence industry using AI and extended reality (XR) technologies. It will unveil project results from young developers and creators who completed this year's courses and support job link-ups with related companies.

The ministry held a results-sharing event for the fifth cohort of the Virtual Convergence Technology Academy on Aug. 31 at the Virtual Convergence Industry Hub in Pangyo, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

The academy is a programme that trains specialists for AI and the virtual convergence industry through project-based practical education and supports young people with employment and start-ups. Since its launch in 2022, it has produced a total of 995 people over 5 years and created 205 commercialisation projects.

This year, a total of 82 people completed the regular curriculum and a pilot AI glasses course. The regular programme covered 5 areas: Unity, Unreal, back-end, AI and TA (Technical Artist). It combined basic and major-track instruction with hands-on projects based on generative AI.

At the event, awards including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Award, the head of the National IT Industry Promotion Agency Award, and the head of the Korea Radio Promotion Association Award were presented to 4 teams selected as outstanding projects through final evaluations.

The grand prize, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Award, went to the 'SAM3' drone integrated operation service by the Voxel team. SAM3 is a service that uses AI and XR so even unskilled drone operators can collaborate by sharing target and location information in real time among reconnaissance and strike operators and a command-and-control room.

The excellence award for the AI glasses project went to 'LifeLens' by the Kimchi Stew team. LifeLens is an AI lifelogging service that automatically records daily life with AI glasses and lets users control internet-of-things (IoT) devices such as smart bulbs and plugs with hand gestures.

After the showcase, a corporate recruiting consultation event was also held to link trainees with jobs and career paths. Nine companies in AI and virtual convergence, including Roblox and Upstage, took part, offering one-on-one consultations on recruitment and roles as well as technology and development.

Nam Cheol-gi (남철기), director general for software policy at the ministry, said it would continue training practical talent that reflects technological change and demand in the industrial field. He said it would also expand follow-up support linked to companies so achievements can lead to young people's employment and start-ups.