Shinhan University Successfully Concludes 'AI Real-Life Problem Solving' App Development Competition... Grand Prize to 'HwaePi ON'

Shinhan University Software-Centered University Project Group Hosts 'AI Convergence' App Development Competition
Fostering Software Talent Ahead of Other Universities Through Creative AI-Based App Development

Shinhan University (President Kang Sungjong) announced on October 24 that it had successfully concluded the "2025 App Development Competition," which was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP), and organized by the Shinhan University Software-Centered University Project Group.

Shinhan University won the grand prize at the "2025 App Development Competition," supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP), and organized by the Shinhan University Software-Centered University Project Group. Photo by Shinhan University

This competition was held for all Shinhan University students under the theme of problem-solving-oriented app development. Through creative attempts to apply artificial intelligence (AI) to real-life problem-solving, students demonstrated the results of practical software education that is a step ahead of other universities.

The competition was divided into two categories: the "App Planning" category, where participants submitted their ideas in the form of a proposal, and the "App Development" category, where participants actually developed and submitted their apps. Students from a variety of majors-including Software Convergence, Social Welfare, Future Automotive Engineering, Radiological Science, and Electronic Engineering-submitted entries that reflected the unique characteristics of their fields. This year’s competition was notable for efforts to combine AI technology and app development to solve real-world problems, with creative ideas and practical development skills based on academic knowledge standing out.

The grand prize was awarded to the "Exiters" team (Kiwoo Yoon, Chowon Go, Dokyung Lee, and Mireu Jeong from the Department of Software Convergence). The Exiters team recognized inconveniences in everyday situations and explored ways to address them independently, eventually developing the "HwaePi ON" app, which helps users naturally exit uncomfortable situations by simulating a real phone call at a desired time.

The "HwaePi ON" app was highly praised for its functional design that goes beyond being a simple avoidance tool, supporting users’ self-protection and psychological safety. It also received strong acclaim from the judges for its level of completion, which makes it practical for real-world use.

The top prize in the App Development category went to the "Local Director" team, a joint team from the Department of Electronic Engineering and the Department of Software Convergence, while the top prize in the App Planning category was awarded to the "Onnection" team from the Department of Software Convergence.

The Local Director team was recognized for developing a one-stop regional information service app that implements real-time data collection and analysis functions using the AI model Sonar. The Onnection team drew attention for its creative approach in designing an app to promote community participation through a network-based leveling system.

President Kang Sungjong stated, "Shinhan University is realizing the value of software education based on K-STAR convergence education, and is expanding AI and software education to all students. We will foster practical, convergence-type talents who will lead the AI era and realize the TECH-ONE vision."

Choi Hanyong, head of the Shinhan University Software-Centered University Project Group, said, "This app development competition was not just a contest, but a practical learning platform where students directly tackled social issues using AI and software. Shinhan University will continue to spread an innovative education model that differentiates us from other universities by strengthening AI convergence education and practical software skills."

The "2025 App Development Competition" was part of the basic software education project of the Shinhan University Software-Centered University Project Group, supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP), and organized by the Shinhan University Software-Centered University Project Group.