KAIST

< Photo of the Donation Agreement Ceremony >

KAIST announced on March 11th that Inseo Chung (28), an undergraduate student in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and CEO of the global music-tech startup MPAG, donated 1 billion won in development funds on the 10th to foster ‘Inclusive AI’ talent. Inclusive AI talent refers to experts who research and develop AI technologies so that the socially vulnerable, including people with disabilities and the technologically marginalized, can also enjoy the benefits of AI technology.

Inseo Chung is a student entrepreneur who has dedicated himself to “solving social problems through technology” while balancing startup activities and research during his studies. Alongside his academic advisor, Professor Hyunwook Ka of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, he has consistently researched how technology can embrace those who are marginalized.

His research, including software for the hearing impaired, studies for users requiring linguistic support in media, and bidirectional assistive technology devices for the visually and hearing impaired, has garnered attention at domestic and international conferences. This work has also led to several patent applications filed under the name of KAIST.

He founded the global music-tech startup MPAG, which operates a sheet music sales platform and AI music education service with over 4 million members worldwide, and is also developing features to provide braille sheet music for the visually impaired.

The donation will be used to establish a Master’s and Doctoral Education & Research Program in ‘AI-based Assistive Technology’ for the disabled and the technologically and socially vulnerable within the newly established KAIST AI College. This program aims to conduct research on AI-based rehabilitation assistive technology, nurture Master’s and Doctoral-level experts in the field, and build an inclusive technology ecosystem. Professor Hyunwook Ka, an expert in this field, will lead the operation and guidance of the degree program to ensure research continuity and expertise.

Inseo Chung emphasized, “As AI technology advances exponentially, it is absolutely necessary to expand into ‘Inclusive AI’ so that its benefits reach the disabled and the technologically marginalized. I am confident that through a formal graduate program, the number of experts in this field will grow, and KAIST’s specialized AI research capabilities will serve as the catalyst.”

This is not Inseo Chung’s first donation. He previously donated through the KAIST Development Foundation in 2024 and 2025 before contributing an additional 1 billion won this year. The 2024 donation was used to create the ‘Creative Workshop’ for junior students in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies to realize their creative ideas, and the 2025 donation was allocated to the School of Computing.

President Kwang Hyung Lee stated, “The decision by student Inseo Chung to donate the fruits of his startup efforts for the future of his alma mater and the realization of social values serves as a great inspiration to all members of KAIST. We will do our best to nurture inclusive AI talent so that the benefits of technology can spread throughout society, honoring the donor’s intent.”