KENTECH First Graduating Class Solves Energy Industry Challenges Through "Capstone Design"

Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH) announced on June 30 that the first graduating class, who are expected to graduate since the university's founding, achieved outstanding results by solving real-world challenges in the energy industry through the "Capstone Design I" course.

The Capstone Design course, a mandatory requirement for graduation, is conducted in a team-based format where KENTECH students tackle real-world challenges presented by more than ten energy companies and research institutes. KENTECH’s educational philosophy, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning across all grades and courses, is fully reflected in this program. The first cohort, leveraging the problem-solving skills they have developed over the past four years, focused on their respective projects and achieved remarkable outcomes.

One notable example is the team that participated in the project "Demonstration of On-Device AI and Re-ID Based Personalized PMV Control Technology," proposed by the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI). This team produced tangible technical validation results and received high praise from the research institute, leading to their acceptance into ETRI’s internship program during the upcoming summer vacation.

Another team engaged in the project "Development of AI Model for Predicting Thermal-Hydraulic Phenomena under SMR Operating Conditions," proposed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, successfully implemented a predictive model applicable to real-world scenarios through precise data analysis and deep learning model design.

KENTECH plans to offer "Capstone Design II" in the upcoming second semester, with participation confirmed from various companies and research institutes, including KEPCO KDN and the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute. Participating students will be provided with paid internships and research funding.

Professor Kim Kyung, who supervised the Capstone Design course, stated, "Capstone Design is a prime example that perfectly demonstrates KENTECH’s educational approach, as students took the lead in defining and solving real problems through close communication with companies and research institutes."

Park Jin-ho, acting president, said, "Through Capstone Design, we have confirmed the potential of problem-solving, convergent future talent," and added, "We will continue to nurture such field-ready professionals through education closely linked to the industrial field."