Busan high‑tech development program

In July 2026, Busan University was selected to host a converged security graduate school under the national Converged Security Core Talent Development Project. The five‑and‑a‑half‑year program, funded with 60.5 billion won (55 billion won from the national government and 5.5 billion won from the municipal government), will train PhD‑level specialists in AI‑ and blockchain‑based security for the city’s maritime, port, shipbuilding and manufacturing sectors. The curriculum blends classroom instruction with industry projects, internships and guaranteed job placement, aiming to retain talent and bolster the digital competitiveness of local firms.

Later that month, Busan announced a 551 billion‑won Future Industry Transition Fund, combining a 500 billion‑won contribution from major domestic banks, 41 billion won from the municipal government and 10 billion won from Korea Development Bank. The fund will match private capital to raise over 2.5 trillion won for subsidiary funds targeting green technologies, AI‑driven conversion and digital transformation in companies across Busan, Ulsan and South‑Gyeongsang Province. A fund manager will be appointed by August, with operations slated to begin in September under Korea Growth Finance Investment’s oversight. The initiative seeks to create high‑value jobs, retain young talent and strengthen the regional industrial base.