Super-Regional AI Hackathon for Local Topics

- 40 Students from Incheon National University and the University of Ulsan Form Mixed Teams and Develop AI-Based Ideas -

The “Super-Regional AI Hackathon,” jointly hosted by Incheon National University (INU), led by President Injae Lee, and the University of Ulsan ANCHOR (RISE) Project Group, was held over three days and two nights from Wednesday, August 12 to Friday, August 14.

The event provided students from Incheon National University and the University of Ulsan with an opportunity to examine topics related to Incheon and Ulsan and develop practical ideas using artificial intelligence technologies, including generative AI.

Students from both universities formed mixed teams and worked together throughout the program. Each team reviewed topics related to the two regions, analyzed relevant information, and developed AI-based ideas.

The hackathon topics were prepared with reference to issues and needs identified in Incheon and Ulsan. With assistance from related organizations in the two cities, the organizers selected several topics for the participating teams. Students then reviewed the characteristics of each topic and developed AI-based services and other practical ideas.

A total of 40 students from Incheon National University and the University of Ulsan participated in the hackathon. Working in mixed teams, they carried out the full project process, including idea development, topic analysis, application of AI technologies, preparation of final outputs, and presentations.

The program focused on applying AI technologies to practical topics related to Incheon and Ulsan. The ideas developed by the students may also be considered for future educational and field-based activities.

The final presentations were reviewed by Wooil Kim, Director of the AI Convergence ICC at the INU ANCHOR (RISE) Project Group; Sungmin Kim, Director of the AI·DX Center at the University of Ulsan ANCHOR (RISE) Project Group; and Seunga Lee, CEO of Innerstep Consulting.

Entries were reviewed based on four areas: ▲ use and completeness of AI technology ▲ relevance to the selected topic ▲ creativity ▲ presentation and communication.

The Grand Prize was awarded to Team “Mulbeomgorae.” The team focused on bus transportation in Ulsan Metropolitan City and proposed an AI application designed to provide additional information for bus users.

The application connects with real-time bus location data to provide operating information, uses AI to estimate possible bus delays, and provides route information based on users’ travel purposes and current traffic conditions. The proposal also introduced ways the application could be connected with existing bus services.

The Top Excellence Awards were presented to Team “Isangmu” and Team “Josawondan.”

Team Isangmu examined information management related to Incheon’s smart city, airport, and port facilities. The team focused on situations in which information is distributed across multiple systems and proposed an AI-based integrated monitoring system.

The proposed system collects and processes available data, prepares monitoring indicators for different work areas, and uses the information for anomaly detection. The team presented the system as a way to organize information and support faster review of unusual conditions.

Team Josawondan focused on services for residents who may need assistance in their daily lives. The team proposed a service model using the “Neighbor Connection Group” application.

The service identifies users who may need assistance, uses AI to review their circumstances and requested support, and connects them with nearby participants who may be able to help. Relevant information can then be shared with responsible staff for further review and support.

The program is also related to Incheon Metropolitan City’s “ABC+EF” future industry initiative, which includes fields such as AI, bio, content, and energy.

Incheon National University plans to continue developing AI education and practical programs that allow students to apply AI technologies to topics related to the region and industry.

“This hackathon provided students from Incheon National University and the University of Ulsan with an opportunity to work together and directly develop AI-based ideas,” said Wooil Kim, Director at Incheon National University. “By reviewing actual topics related to the two regions, students were able to experience the process of analyzing information and developing practical solutions using AI.”

He added, “We hope the ideas developed by the students can continue to be reviewed and used in future educational and practical activities.”

Following this event, Incheon National University and the University of Ulsan plan to continue joint educational activities based on the characteristics and strengths of the two regions. The universities also plan to develop additional programs using AI and digital technologies.

Officials from the two universities said, “This hackathon was an opportunity for students from the two universities to work together and apply AI technologies to practical topics. We will continue to develop joint programs that connect the educational capabilities of the two universities.”