AI workforce development ramps up with Codyssee-based education platform, targeting 250 trainees annually
Daejeon held an opening ceremony Wednesday for the Daejeon Innovation Academy, an AI training center at 21 Wolpyeongjung-ro in Seo-gu, aimed at developing hands-on talent to drive the AI industry.
The ceremony drew about 200 attendees, including Daejeon Mayor Heo Tae-jeong, Ministry of Science and ICT Software Policy Director Nam Cheol-gi, Institute for Information and Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation President Hong Jin-bae, National Assembly lawmakers, Deputy Speaker Kim Yeong-mi, members of the city council's Industry and Construction Committee, and trainees. The event included an unveiling of the academy's signboard and other commemorative activities.
The Daejeon Innovation Academy is an AI workforce development project run by the Daejeon Institute for Creative Economy and Innovation, with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute for Information and Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP). Built on Codyssee, an AI and software education platform, the academy trains industry-ready professionals and will run courses for up to 250 people per year.
The curriculum offers two tracks: a five-month "AI Native" course and an 18-month "AI All-in-One" course. The AI Native course focuses on building practical AI skills through hands-on tool use and applied learning, while the AI All-in-One course takes students from foundational AI and software concepts through advanced and applied stages, with the goal of producing developers ready for immediate deployment in industry.
Both tracks operate without lectures, textbooks or tuition fees, relying instead on self-directed learning, peer collaboration and project-based work, with corporate partnerships and real-world problem-solving assignments to sharpen practical skills. The facility is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and trainees who meet certain benchmarks are eligible for monthly scholarships of up to 1 million won ($756).
The city plans to use the academy's launch as a springboard to connect the region's science and technology research infrastructure with its industrial base, creating conditions for AI talent to grow and transition into employment or entrepreneurship. It will also pursue job placement and startup programs in partnership with local companies and research institutions to strengthen ties between talent and industry.
"We will support the Daejeon Innovation Academy in becoming a key hub that leads AI talent development and regional industrial innovation," Mayor Heo said. "We will build a virtuous cycle in which education leads to employment, entrepreneurship and business growth, enhancing Daejeon's competitiveness as a leading AI city."
kwonhl@heraldcorp.com
