The National Science Museum (Director Kwon Seok-min) announced on the 21st that the ‘2nd TechConE’ will be held from September 11 to 14 at the National Science Museum. This event, under the theme ‘AI Odyssey: Awakening the Future’, will highlight the impact of AI on lifestyle, culture, health, education, and local communities.
On the first day, September 11, a 24-hour non-stop AI hackathon will take place under the theme ‘Connecting Science Culture and Region through AI’. Six teams comprised of young people, developers, designers, planners, and local activists selected from across the country will compete with ideas for developing local science culture. The winning team will present their results on stage the following day and will receive a laptop and prize money. Applications close on August 25.
From September 12 to 14, there will be lectures, performances, and experiential programs. Fourteen experts from LG AI Research Institute, Samsung, Google, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology will introduce the latest AI application cases and experiences, focusing on industry, art, health, and vision. There will also be a game-style science detective lecture where the audience can directly participate.
Cultural performances have been prepared as well. The opening performance, an AI-created musical ‘Magic If: Dream + Ming’, depicts a journey of AI and a fairy tale protagonist searching for dreams together. Various stages, including AI short films, a magic show by disabled artist Harry, and outdoor music performances, will be presented. At the AI experience hall set up in the lobby, participants can directly experience AI technologies such as life cut photo shoots, virtual avatar creation, film and song creation, healthcare, and digital recording of cultural heritage.
A special program called ‘TechConE Spark’, which combines AI-based ideal type connections and personal color diagnoses, will also take place. Participants can experience new meetings through analysis of tendencies, images, and body languages by AI. Additionally, an IR event will be hosted where AI startups and investors meet for 1:1 consultations. The festival will conclude with an award for the ‘Best Program’ selected directly by the audience on the last day.
Director Kwon Seok-min stated, “As AI is deeply embedded in everyday life, we have prepared a festival that combines science, art, and culture so that all generations can easily enjoy and gain insights.”
Detailed information about the event and registration can be found on the National Science Museum’s website. Advance registration is required for the AI hackathon, creative musical, and Spark program.