SK launches AI training program with 3 million won monthly stipend

SK Group is launching a talent development program that will provide young adults with 3 million won ($2,250) a month for two years to help them develop problem-solving skills using AI.

SK announced Monday that it has established SK Aigen, a two-year, nondegree program whose name combines AI and generation.

The company said the program was designed to help young people develop the ability to think independently, adapt to change and collaborate with others — skills it considers essential in the AI era — through hands-on challenges.

Participants will identify problems affecting individuals, companies or society and design and carry out projects, either individually or in teams, to solve them using AI.

Unlike conventional education programs that teach subjects before students apply what they have learned, Aigen will allow participants to acquire knowledge and experience through solving real-world problems.

The program will run full-time for two years. During the first year, participants will focus on AI-powered problem-solving projects. In the second year, they will gain practical experience tailored to their career goals and project plans.

SK will provide each participant with a monthly stipend of 3 million won, along with training, mentoring and workspace. Seoul National University's AI Institute will help participants develop insights from the humanities and map out their career paths.

Aigen does not award degrees or guarantee employment at any particular company. Participants will also have no obligations after completing the program.

SK said the initiative reflects the philosophy of developing talent to serve the nation championed by its late former chairman, Chey Jong-hyon, who established the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies in 1974 to provide unconditional financial support for students studying abroad.

The program is open to young adults aged 19 to 34 who can commit to full-time participation for two years.

mySUNI, SK Group's talent development platform, will select participants primarily based on their commitment to solving problems and potential for growth rather than their academic qualifications or fields of study.

Applications will be accepted from Nov. 1 to 15, with approximately 50 participants to be selected by the end of December. The inaugural program will begin in March next year.

An information session will be held at the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies on Oct. 28.

"We developed Aigen to support young people who want to challenge themselves and build the skills needed in the AI era," said Park Sang-kyu, president of mySUNI.

"We intend to recruit participants every year and establish Aigen as SK's flagship talent development program.”

BY KIM IN-KYOUNG [[email protected]]