The Research and Development Special Zone Promotion Foundation (hereinafter referred to as the Foundation) announced on July 15 that it will hold the "Joint Data Utilization Problem-Solving Contest" for university and graduate students who are members of university-industry cooperation councils in the Daejeon area, with applications open until September 12.
The contest is jointly planned and hosted by the Daejeon Public Data Activation Council and the Daejeon University-Industry Cooperation Council.
The Daejeon Public Data Activation Council consists of the Foundation, the National Railway Authority, the Small Enterprise and Market Service, Korea Gas Technology Corporation, the National Research Foundation of Korea, and Korea Minting, Security Printing and ID Card Operating Corporation, among others.
The Daejeon University-Industry Cooperation Council comprises 13 universities: Hanbat National University, Konyang University, Mokwon University, Daejeon University, Daejeon Institute of Science and Technology, Woosong University, Woosong Information College, Korea Polytechnic IV, Chungnam National University, Health College, Daedeok College, Pai Chai University, and Hannam University.
The two councils are holding the contest in accordance with a memorandum of understanding signed on July 8. Participants are required to submit exemplary cases utilizing public data from the institutions participating in the Daejeon Public Data Activation Council, which are disclosed on the Public Data Portal.
Submissions may be in the form of web or app services, academic papers, or patents. However, only results achieved between September 1, 2024, and September 12, 2025 (the reference period) are eligible for submission. The results must be actual implemented services, approved papers, or patents that have been filed or registered.
After receiving the exemplary cases, the Foundation will conduct a two-stage evaluation consisting of a document review and a presentation review, ultimately selecting 18 teams as awardees. The winning teams will receive a total of 11 million won in prize money and certificates signed by the heads of the participating institutions. In addition, awardees will be eligible for follow-up support such as institution-specific mentoring, additional data access, and startup linkage programs.
This contest is distinguished by its focus on actual problem-solving achievements using public data, rather than simply proposing ideas.
Jung Heekwon, President of the Foundation, stated, "We hope this contest will serve as an opportunity to solve local community problems based on data and to promote the opening and utilization of public data," adding, "The Foundation will continue to strengthen cooperation with relevant institutions to create data-driven innovations that the public can experience."
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