The Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority under the Information and Communication Technology Division is set to receive a $13 million grant from South Korea to develop artificial intelligence professionals and strengthen cooperation between academia and the technology industry.

The authority will implement the project, titled ‘Fostering Innovative Technology Experts with a Focus on Artificial Intelligence in Bangladesh’, between 2026 and 2029.

Bangladesh and the Korea International Cooperation Agency signed the Record of Discussion and Terms of Reference for the project on Tuesday, according to an Economic Relations Division press release.

ERD additional secretary and Asia, JEC and F&F wing chief Masuma Akter and KOICA Bangladesh country director Jihoon Kim signed the documents on behalf of the two sides.

ERD secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky and ICT Division secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan attended the ceremony along with senior officials.

The project aims to build AI-related knowledge and technical skills among Bangladeshi professionals to help them respond to the rapidly changing demands of the global information technology industry.

It will also strengthen collaboration between universities and technology companies, enabling professionals to apply advanced technologies to practical problems and promote innovation, the release said.

The initiative will encourage the use of AI-based solutions to address local and national challenges and contribute to Bangladesh’s sustainable economic growth.

The training is expected to improve their employment prospects in home and abroad, including in South Korea.