The University of Ulsan's Regional Innovation System and Education (RISE) project unit has launched a talent development model that organically combines regional industry with educational practice in the second half of 2025.
The unit has established a customized educational structure that breaks down disciplinary barriers and connects directly to practical work sites, centered on four specialized centers: the Convergence Talent Development Center, Regional Industry-Specialized Education Center, Field Training Support Center, and Startup Seedling Connection Center.
Convergence Education Breaks Down Disciplinary Barriers, Proves Competitiveness on International Stage
The Convergence Talent Development Center focuses on solving chronic regional issues through interdisciplinary collaboration. The "Convergence Capstone Design" project in partnership with the Ulsan Free Economic Zone Authority is a prime example. Students analyzed corporate safety and spatial issues to propose practical improvements, and the results were recognized for their field applicability, earning the Ulsan Mayor's Award.
International cooperation is also active. The university participated in the "2025 IDEEA GLOBAL FORUM" involving 17 universities from nine countries across the United States, Europe, and Asia, as well as the global workshop at Japan's Shibaura Institute of Technology, sharing Ulsan-based ideas on the world stage.
In the Capstone Design Awards, which drew 181 participants across 39 teams, numerous life-oriented technical designs were developed, including an "AI-based electric kickboard accident prevention system," demonstrating students' solid problem-solving capabilities.
Field-Oriented Education Beyond the Classroom Nurtures Practical Talent
The Regional Industry-Specialized Education Center immediately reflects demand from Ulsan's key industries in its curriculum. Through credit exchanges among the University of Ulsan, Ulsan College, and Chunhae Health Sciences University, along with SAP and ERP practical training, the center has established a shared education system that transcends university boundaries.
The "EdgeCam" on-site educational spaces established within regional anchor companies such as Hyundai Motor (005380.KS) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (329180.KS) are being utilized as core bases for talent development. Students leave the classroom to combine coursework with hands-on training at actual industrial sites, becoming prepared professionals with the practical understanding that companies require.
From Training to Employment: Expanding Field Practice Operations
The Field Training Support Center partnered with approximately 70 organizations in the second half of 2025, providing industrial field training opportunities to around 190 students. Going beyond simple participation, the center significantly expanded its scope to include employment-linked internships at HD Hyundai affiliates as well as training at research and public institutions.
A performance-sharing competition held after the training concluded provided students with opportunities to systematically organize their practical experience and concretize their career paths. The project unit plans to gradually expand the operating scope of field training programs and partner companies based on participating companies' satisfaction levels and students' achievements.
Entrepreneurship Establishes Itself as a New Career Pathway
The Startup Seedling Connection Center is lowering barriers to entrepreneurship by linking student startups with regular educational curricula. The center has established a support system covering the entire process from idea discovery to commercialization, including operation of Korea Student Startup Week, commercialization support through U-RISE Startup Campus, local brand-linked education, and startup talk concerts.
Results derived through this support were shared at external venues such as the Ulsan Startup Festa, providing participating students with opportunities to recognize entrepreneurship as a concrete career option.
Virtuous Cycle of Education and Industry: Completing the Ulsan-Style Talent Development Structure
The University of Ulsan RISE project unit has established a talent development structure this year that integrates convergence education, industry-customized education, field training, and startup support. By continuously creating cases where university educational resources lead directly to substantive industrial participation, the unit is successfully establishing an Ulsan-style regional innovation model in which education and industry coexist.
