Poster for the 2026 North Gyeongsang Province Resident-Centered AI Transformation Contest. [North Gyeongsang Province]
Poster for the 2026 North Gyeongsang Province Resident-Centered AI Transformation Contest. [North Gyeongsang Province]

North Gyeongsang Province is seeking creative ideas that use AI to ease residents' everyday inconveniences and drive innovation in public services.

The provincial government said Monday it is accepting submissions for the "2026 North Gyeongsang Province Resident-Centered AI Transformation Contest" through Sept. 15.

The contest was organized in line with the central government's AI transformation policy to identify practical AI applications that residents can feel in their daily lives, with standout proposals to be incorporated into actual provincial policy.

The contest's slogan — "AI ideas that change everyday life in North Gyeongsang: your one line becomes policy" — reflects a focus on practical ideas that go beyond simple technology proposals to address residents' daily inconveniences or improve the convenience and efficiency of public services.

Submissions must be sent by email, along with a completed application form and supporting materials, by 6 p.m. on Sept. 15.

The contest is open to anyone nationwide, regardless of region or age, not just North Gyeongsang residents.

Eligible categories cover any area of daily life, including welfare, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, safety, public administration, tourism and the local economy.

A panel of expert judges will evaluate submissions on criteria including resident impact, suitability for North Gyeongsang, the validity of the AI application, feasibility, creativity and scalability.

After screening for disqualifying factors — such as prior wins at other competitions — the province plans to select eight finalist teams.

Winners will be announced and honored at the North Gyeongsang Province Future Foresight Forum, scheduled for December.

"We hope this contest uncovers fresh ideas that address the various challenges facing North Gyeongsang and the everyday inconveniences residents face, so that people here can be among the first to experience the benefits of AI transformation," said Koo Kwang-mo, head of the province's Future Strategy Planning Group.


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com