SEOUL — Hyundai AutoEver, a mobility software specialized subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, announced on June 8 that it has officially launched the "Youth Robotics Challenge" in partnership with the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity (KOFAC). This joint initiative aims to provide a platform for primary and secondary school students interested in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to develop their technological capabilities and creative problem-solving skills.
To establish a solid foundation for this project, Hyundai AutoEver and KOFAC recently signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement, titled "MOU for the Diffusion of Youth AI/Robotics Educational Culture and Nurturing Future Digital Talent," underscores both organizations' commitment to fostering a new generation of tech-savvy leaders. Through this partnership, the two entities will cooperate closely to ensure students can experience cutting-edge technologies firsthand and engage in project-based learning focused on addressing real-world issues.
Part of a National AI Movement
The Youth Robotics Challenge is a flagship program under the broader umbrella of the "National AI Competition," a nationwide initiative designed to make AI technologies accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for the general public. Rather than focusing solely on theoretical knowledge, the challenge is specifically structured to allow elementary, middle, and high school students to leverage AI and robotics tools to identify and solve practical problems encountered in daily life.
The preliminary rounds are already underway. On May 27, the regional preliminary for the metropolitan area's basic track was successfully held at the Yangcheon Digital Media Center in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. During the event, participating students were seen deeply engaged in hands-on tasks, programming and manipulating robots to navigate complex problem-solving scenarios.
According to the official timeline released by the organizers, the application window and regional preliminary rounds will continue through September. Teams that successfully pass these rigorous qualifiers will advance to the main finals scheduled for November. The grand finale and official award ceremony will take place in December, wrapping up a comprehensive months-long journey of technological exploration.
Substantial Rewards and Vision for the Future
To encourage high-quality participation and recognize outstanding achievements, the organizers have announced a total prize pool of 40 million KRW (approximately $30,000 USD). The prize money and accompanying accolades will be awarded to teams that demonstrate exceptional creativity, innovative ideas, and superior technical execution throughout the competition.
An official from KOFAC expressed great optimism about the impact of the competition, stating:
"Through this challenge, we expect that young students will not just stop at passive learning or consuming technology. Instead, they will gain invaluable, practical experience by utilizing AI and robotics as active tools to creatively resolve societal and everyday challenges."
Hyundai AutoEver also emphasized its corporate social responsibility in narrowing the digital divide and investing in future talent. The company plans to continue its support for software and digital education initiatives, ensuring that the younger generation is well-equipped for the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
For detailed guidelines regarding eligibility, competition categories, and the registration process, interested students, parents, and educators can visit the official website of the National AI Competition.
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