Naver Cloud and Seoul National University Forge Strategic Alliance to Advance Sovereign AI Capabilities

Naver Cloud has entered into a strategic partnership with Seoul National University (SNU) to bolster South Korea’s sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and nurture specialized talent in the field. The two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding on August 21 (KST), committing to joint efforts in research, education, and technological development aimed at strengthening the country’s AI ecosystem.

The agreement stands out as a strategic alliance between academia and industry, forged with the shared objective of enhancing the nation’s AI competitiveness. Under the partnership, Naver Cloud and SNU will work together on a range of initiatives, including joint research and development in sovereign AI, the creation and operation of educational programs to train AI professionals, technical exchanges between AI experts, and the execution of pilot projects to validate emerging technologies.

Seoul National University will contribute its academic expertise and research infrastructure, while Naver Cloud will provide practical insights and technological know-how gained from real-world industrial applications. This university-industry cooperation model is expected to accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge AI technologies and support improvements in related policies and institutional frameworks.

A key focus of the partnership is the cultivation of next-generation AI experts. By developing joint educational initiatives and facilitating talent exchanges, the alliance aims to produce professionals equipped with practical skills, thereby laying the groundwork for a sustainable domestic AI ecosystem.

“Our active collaboration with Seoul National University will allow us to address a broad range of issues, from fostering AI talent and encouraging technical exchange to supporting innovation at the university level,” said Kim Yoo-won, CEO of Naver Cloud. “We are committed to developing AI that safeguards Korea’s technological sovereignty and enhances the nation’s competitiveness in the global AI race.”

Amid intensifying international competition in AI, the partnership represents a significant step toward strengthening South Korea’s self-sufficiency in critical technologies. Observers are watching closely to see how this alliance might contribute to both technological advancements and the training of high-caliber AI professionals.

The original article is available on Naver Newsroom.