Degree Conferment Ceremony Held at KENTECH Auditorium on the 27th
Attended by Ha Jung-woo, Chief of AI Future Planning at the Presidential Office, and Others
On the 27th, Korea University of Energy and Technology held its first-ever commencement ceremony since its founding, awarding degrees to its first regular bachelor's graduates. Provided by Korea University of Energy and Technology
Korea University of Energy Technology (KENTECH) has produced its first-ever regular bachelor's graduates since its establishment. Most of the graduates have chosen to continue their studies at the university's graduate school, building on the research experience they accumulated during their undergraduate years to pursue more advanced research.
On the 27th, KENTECH held its 2026 degree conferment ceremony in the university's main auditorium, awarding degrees to 1 doctoral graduate, 10 master's graduates, and 30 members of the first cohort of regular bachelor's graduates. The event was attended by graduates and their families, as well as Assemblyman Shin Jung-hoon, Lee Ho-hyun, the Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, Ha Jung-woo, Chief of AI Future Planning, Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, Yoon Byung-tae, Mayor of Naju, Chairman Kim Dong-cheol, the university's first president Yoon Eui-joon, and Acting President Park Jin-ho.
Ha Jung-woo, who delivered the congratulatory speech, stated, "Today is a historic day as we witness the birth of energy leaders who will shoulder the future of Korea's energy sector. The graduation of the first cohort signifies that Korea has begun to secure a core talent pipeline necessary for the future technology supremacy race." He added, "We will increase budget support so that your alma mater, KENTECH, can become the world's best energy-specialized university, and we will provide unwavering policy support, including expanding student quotas, to meet the demand for highly skilled talent in the energy sector."
Among the 30 first cohort bachelor's graduates, 28 chose to pursue graduate studies. Of these, 27 entered the KENTECH graduate school to continue research in the energy field. One student entered the graduate school at Seoul National University, while the remaining two are still considering their career paths. Previously, of the five students who graduated early last year, three also went on to attend the KENTECH graduate school.
The KENTECH graduate school encompasses research fields covering energy AI, new energy materials, next-generation grids, hydrogen energy, environmental and climate technology, and nuclear energy. The fact that 90% of graduates chose their home university's graduate school aligns with KENTECH's founding objective of nurturing global energy leaders.
Although there were various options such as entering other graduate schools or employment, students who prioritized research and entrepreneurship in the energy field decided to continue their journey at KENTECH. A common reason cited was that they were able to experience a specialized research environment in energy from the undergraduate stage, which helped them clarify their career paths as researchers.
KENTECH has supported students through its undergraduate research student program, allowing them to belong to research labs and participate in energy-related research projects while still enrolled. Many graduates plan to continue their undergraduate research in the same graduate school labs, thereby ensuring continuity in energy technology development and research outcomes.
Additionally, students cited stable research conditions, such as tuition support, living stipends, and support for research and learning equipment, as major reasons for pursuing graduate studies. They explained that the ability to focus on research and entrepreneurship in an environment that minimizes financial burden influenced their decision.
Kim Suhong, who graduated at the top of the first regular graduating class and is entering the integrated master's and doctoral program, said, "As a member of the first cohort, I felt that I wanted to fully dedicate myself to the school until the end. I hope to develop research competencies at the KENTECH graduate school and become a scholar who bridges academia, industry, and research."
Jang Hyungyu, who served as president of the first student council and is also entering the integrated master's and doctoral program, said, "Through the undergraduate research student program, I was able to continuously research the field of energy AI that I studied as an undergraduate, which is why I chose the KENTECH graduate school. I plan to further expand my research areas."
Their choices do not simply reflect individual career decisions; rather, they demonstrate that KENTECH's unique education and research model, designed to allow students who have participated in specialized research environments from the undergraduate level to continue in the same labs and on the same research topics through graduate school, is working in practice. KENTECH plans to continue strengthening its system for fostering specialized research talent in the energy sector, based on a structure where undergraduate research experience seamlessly connects to advanced graduate research.
Acting President Park Jin-ho stated, "Today marks a new chapter in the history of KENTECH, as the university, born with the mission to address regional, national, and global energy challenges, produces its first regular graduates. I hope that our graduates will grow into key players in shaping the future of energy, building on the research experience they gained during their undergraduate studies."
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