“Applying blockchain and AI to finance” ... Busan opens Blockchain and AI Digital Finance Innovation Research Center

[Financial News] A research center is set to open in Busan to apply blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to finance and build a virtuous-cycle ecosystem linking talent development with business growth.
The Busan Metropolitan Government said it would hold an opening ceremony for the Busan Blockchain and AI Digital Finance Innovation Research Center on the 22nd floor of the Busan International Finance Center (BIFC) on the morning of the 13th and begin full-scale operations.
Drawing on demonstration experience in the Blockchain Regulatory Free Zone, the center is a digital finance technology anchor that will strengthen research capabilities to secure foundational technologies and advance technology, while proactively responding to changes in the digital finance environment through advanced technologies such as AI.
Located on the 23rd floor of BIFC, the center has an exclusive-use area of 229.54 square meters and includes office space, a dedicated training room and seminar rooms. Its core functions include on-site, tailored professional training; joint research and development (R&D) based on business demand; technical consulting; and proof-of-concept (PoC) work.
The center plans to identify technical challenges faced by companies based in the Munhyeon Financial Complex and turn them into joint research projects. Its researchers will work with companies from defining problems through designing and validating technologies, helping carry the work through to technology development and commercialization.
The center will also operate the Graduate School of Convergence Security at Pusan National University (master’s and doctoral programs), while continuing to expand practical training in digital finance and collaboration among local governments, industry, academia and research institutions.
The center will also run the Convergence Security Key Talent Development Project, selected this year through a Ministry of Science and ICT call for proposals in collaboration with the Busan Metropolitan Government and Pusan National University. It will offer industry-focused education and research linking blockchain- and AI-based convergence security technologies with regionally specialized industries such as maritime, ports, shipbuilding and manufacturing. In addition, it will serve as a “platform for recruiting outstanding local talent,” helping specialists who complete practical training find jobs at local companies through internships and recruitment, or start businesses.
The city plans to use the opening of the center as an opportunity to develop the Munhyeon Financial Complex into a digital finance hub based on blockchain and AI technologies and strengthen the competitiveness of the digital finance industry.
“With advances in cutting-edge technology rapidly transforming the digital finance industry, it is now more important than anything to establish a virtuous cycle in which research and education directly solve problems faced by businesses and lead to tangible growth,” Mayor Jeon Jae-soo said. “I expect this research center to serve as a key ‘digital finance technology anchor’ connecting universities’ capabilities with businesses’ needs.”

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