South Korea will have its first Smart Aquaculture Big Data Center

Busan Metropolitan City has launched the implementation of the Smart Aquaculture Big Data Center Construction Project, the first of its kind in South Korea.

The ultimate goal of this project is to integrate smart aquaculture with big data, positioning Busan as a leader in building a data-driven aquaculture and fisheries industry.

During a briefing attended by the Director General of the City’s Marine, Agriculture, and Fisheries Bureau, representatives from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, relevant city departments, and the project contractors, the Project’s execution plan, schedule, and management measures were discussed.

This initiative has an investment of approximately 10 billion won (approximately €5.8 million), of which 70% comes from national funds and 30% from city funds. The center, whose construction will be led by ITCEN ENTECH and CAS Co., Ltd., is scheduled to be completed in June 2027.

The implementation of consulting and automation services based on generative artificial intelligence (AI) will enable the collection of data from research institutions, eco-friendly aquaculture farms, and general aquaculture farms.

Finally, the Smart Aquaculture Big Data Center will include specialized workforce training programs, as well as support services for entrepreneurship and employment, along with an integrated monitoring and control system.

"We will make every effort to strengthen industry–academia–research collaboration functions and contribute to nurturing outstanding local talent," concluded Cho Young-tae, Director General of the City's Marine, Agriculture, and Fisheries Bureau.