Cheonan, South Korea – The Chungnam Agency for Information & Culture Industry (CTIA), led by President Kim Gok-mi, has announced an open call for participants in its “AI & Media Living Lab Project” aimed at addressing local community issues in Cheonan. The application period will run until Friday, May 9th, 2025.

The Living Lab concept represents an “open innovation platform” where citizens actively participate in identifying and experimenting with solutions to challenges within their local environment. This initiative distinguishes itself from previous Living Lab projects by focusing on the integration of cutting-edge trends in technology, specifically leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and media technologies to develop innovative solutions.

Through this public call, approximately ten projects will be selected to receive support. Successful institutions, companies, organizations (including hobby groups), and individuals will be granted project operational funding of up to 10 million KRW. Beyond financial assistance, selected participants will also benefit from expert consultation in relevant technological fields, providing valuable guidance throughout the project lifecycle.

Eligibility for participation is broad, encompassing Cheonan citizens, organizations, companies, associations, and local universities (including currently enrolled and on leave graduate and undergraduate students) situated within Cheonan. This inclusive approach aims to foster diverse perspectives and encourage wide-ranging community involvement.

The selected projects are slated to progress to the demonstration and implementation phase within the current year. This timeline will allow the public to witness firsthand the innovative ideas generated by participating citizens and the tangible outcomes of their implemented solutions.

CTIA President Kim Gok-mi expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “We anticipate that this ‘AI & Media Living Lab Project’ will not only channel the creative ideas of our citizens into practical solutions for societal issues but will also serve as a catalyst for building a more vibrant cultural ecosystem within Cheonan and the broader Chungnam region.”

Detailed information regarding the “AI & Media Living Lab Project,” including application guidelines and eligibility criteria, can be found on the CTIA website (www.ctia.kr) under the “Announcements” section and the Cheonan Culture City website (www.천안문화도시.kr). Interested parties are encouraged to visit these websites for comprehensive details and to submit their applications before the deadline. This project signifies a significant step towards empowering the Cheonan community to actively shape its future through technological innovation and collaborative problem-solving.