National Kumoh Institute of Technology RISE Project Group Holds "2026 Gyeongbuk Gumi Defense Industry Network Revitalization and Policy Sharing Forum"

Sharing Defense Industry Policies and Support Systems, Strengthening the Local Government-Industry-Academia Cooperation Base
Co-hosted by the RISE Project Group of National Kumoh Institute of Technology and Gumi City, with Participation from Domestic and Overseas Defense Stakeholders

National Kumoh Institute of Technology held the "2026 Gyeongbuk Gumi Defense Industry Network Revitalization and Policy Sharing Forum."

Hosted by the RISE Project Group of National Kumoh Institute of Technology and Gumi City, among others, the forum was held on the 23rd at Cheongundae Hall on campus, with about 100 participants from local defense companies and related institutions in attendance.

The forum was organized to share information on changes in defense industry policies and systems in 2026, and to expand the growth base of defense companies by strengthening the cooperation ecosystem among local governments, industry, and academia, with local defense companies at its center.

Beginning with a welcome speech by President Kim Sangho, the event proceeded in the following order: an explanation of key defense industry policies and systems for 2026 (Defense Acquisition Program Administration); an introduction of Gumi City’s 2026 support programs for defense companies (Gumi City); a presentation on the operation status of the RISE Project and the Gyeongbuk Defense Innovation Unit (G-DIU) (National Kumoh Institute of Technology); and a presentation on key projects and directions promoted by the Army Force Support System Program Group (Army Force Support System Program Group).

On the same day, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was also signed between National Kumoh Institute of Technology and the Gumi Defense Industry Business Council. Through this agreement, the two parties plan to expand cooperation to strengthen the competitiveness of the regional defense industry, including conducting surveys on technology demands of defense companies and promoting commercialization, discovering industry-academia cooperation projects and conducting joint research, jointly operating defense industry talent development programs, cooperating on entry into the global defense market, and jointly utilizing research and technological resources, facilities, and infrastructure.

Kim Sangho, President of National Kumoh Institute of Technology, stated, "In a rapidly changing defense industry environment, understanding policies and building cooperative networks are more important than anything else for the continuous growth of local companies," adding, "National Kumoh Institute of Technology will continue to serve as a hub for innovation in the regional defense industry based on the RISE Project and the Gyeongbuk Defense Innovation Unit (G-DIU)."

National Kumoh Institute of Technology is currently strengthening its industry-academia cooperation system in connection with regional strategic industries through the Regional Innovation-led University Support System (RISE) Project. In particular, through the operation of the Gyeongbuk Defense Innovation Unit (G-DIU), it is promoting a wide range of support activities such as technology support for defense companies, commercialization consulting, and specialized education programs.