On Sept. 27, officials from POSTECH, Apple, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Pohang-si signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Under the MOU, Apple will cooperate with POSTECH to establish and manage the Apple Developer Academy and Manufacturing R&D Support Center. This is part of Apple’s major investment program which aims to foster economic development and worldwide innovation. The Apple Developer Academy will be established in the C5 building, and the Manufacturing R&D Support Center will move into the National Institute for Nanomaterials Technology (NINT) building at POSTECH.
The Apple Developer Academy is designed to nurture skilled software engineers. It provides education and tools in areas such as app development and corporate management to those who wish to become entrepreneurs, developers, and designers. The Apple Developer Academy at POSTECH will begin its face-to-face courses from the upcoming spring. The nine-month courses will be provided free of charge, and any Korean resident over the age of 19 can apply.
Apple’s world-first Manufacturing R&D Support Center will provide advanced education and consulting so that medium and small-sized enterprises can develop their capability to manufacture smart devices. The latest technologies/equipment in smart processes and eco-friendly manufacturing will be provided, and Apple’s professionals will be sent for consulting. The Manufacturing R&D Support Center will select medium and small-sized enterprises centered on domestic manufacturing and provide opportunities to develop their technologies, processes, and products to a high level. The Manufacturing R&D Support Center will be established by 2023.

The Postech Times interviewed Kim Tae-young, senior administrative staff of the POSTECH Strategy Planning Team.

Why did Apple select POSTECH as its partner?
I think this is an outstanding example which proves POSTECH’s remarkable education and research infrastructure. The centers not only require space but also require IT infrastructure, residential facilities, and human resources support. In particular, the Apple Academy has strict prerequisites for its establishment, and I think POSTECH was the most qualified university meeting Apple’s high standards.

How will the establishment of two centers lead to the development of POSTECH? Will there be additional exchanges between Apple and POSTECH?
The education and consulting programs provided are closely related to POSTECH’s main research fields: AI and smart manufacturing. At the Apple Development Academy, students will be able to develop software and begin a start-up, with the help of the POSTECH Venture Incubation Center. 

What kind of collaboration is planned between POSTECH and Apple?
There are endless possibilities. As everything is unprecedented, the collaboration and the role of POSTECH may go beyond our expectations. The partnership is in its early stage, so please wait for specific details. In addition, we expect Postechians to make use of this opportunity with their high creativity and challenging spirit.