Inha University selected as blockchain-specialized university to train digital asset professionals

Inha University has been selected as a "blockchain-specialized university" under a program run by the Ministry of Science and ICT, stepping up its efforts to train future talent in finance and technology.

The university held an inauguration ceremony Monday for the 2026 Blockchain-Specialized University Support Project, marking the official launch of its industry-academia collaboration initiative.

The project, driven by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Internet & Security Agency, is led by a consortium of Inha University, Incheon National University and Incheon Technopark.

Inha University plans to cultivate professionals who can bridge technology, finance and legal frameworks, responding to the growing expansion of digital assets beyond simple investment into mainstream financial applications such as stablecoins, asset tokenization and digital payments.

To that end, the university will launch a new "Blockchain Digital Asset Micro-Degree," a compact, intensive credential program.

Students will complete a step-by-step curriculum covering foundational theory, legal and regulatory understanding, hands-on practice, and ultimately the planning and development of real-world services in partnership with companies.

The program will also run industry-academia collaboration projects tackling real challenges from the field. Five domestic and international companies will take part: Hana Financial TI, Korea Digital Asset (KODA), NHN KCP, Upbit and Yuga Labs.

These companies will support students throughout the entire process — from presenting field assignments and providing expert mentoring to evaluating prototypes — giving students direct practical experience.

"The digital asset industry requires not only technical expertise but also an integrated understanding of finance and regulation," Inha University President Choi Ki-young said. "We will support students in building professional competence and practical skills by having them tackle real-world problems firsthand."

Kim Jong-un, head of the Digital Innovation Strategy Center, said the university had established an educational framework that views digital assets from the perspective of next-generation transaction and financial infrastructure. "We will focus on strengthening students' ability to solve practical problems that can be applied immediately in the field," he added.