NVIDIA and KAIST launch $300m AI lab in Korea
Researchers will gain advanced computing access, funding and internships through the new NVIDIA KAIST AI lab.
NVIDIA and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have launched a joint AI laboratory in Seoul focused on agentic AI systems designed for South Korea.
The NVIDIA KAIST AI lab will operate from the Kim Jaechul Graduate School of AI and combine KAIST researchers with NVIDIA infrastructure, open models, and technical expertise.
The five-year collaboration is valued at $300 million and is expected to include computing contributions worth $50 million annually. Local NVIDIA Cloud Partners will provide researchers with access to advanced AI infrastructure.
At least ten KAIST researchers will receive funding each year, alongside internship opportunities at NVIDIA. The company also plans to offer permanent positions to outstanding Korean researchers, creating stronger routes from university research into international AI careers.
A central goal of the NVIDIA KAIST AI lab is to develop models optimised for the Korean language and applications relevant to domestic industries. Researchers will use NVIDIA Nemotron open models to build agentic AI models and systems capable of completing complex tasks with greater autonomy.
The partnership is intended to create a pipeline connecting academic research with enterprise products and national AI deployments. It will also support Korea’s efforts to retain skilled researchers and strengthen links between universities and global technology companies.
KAIST already conducts research across AI, engineering, semiconductors, robotics and digital humanities. NVIDIA said the institution’s scientific expertise and Korea’s advanced technology ecosystem made it a strong base for developing locally relevant AI.
The NVIDIA KAIST AI lab will be led by incoming KAIST faculty member Hyunwoo Kim and will collaborate with NVIDIA’s global research organisation.
Why does it matter?
The NVIDIA KAIST AI lab gives Korean researchers access to computing resources that few universities can provide independently. By combining local language expertise, open models and commercial infrastructure, the partnership could help South Korea develop its own advanced AI systems rather than relying entirely on technology built for other markets.
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