□ DGIST (President Kunwoo Lee) held its “2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony” at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 13, 2026, in the University Headquarters Convention Hall and awarded the following degrees to 293 graduates: 59 PhDs, 103 Master’s degrees, and 131 Bachelor’s degrees.
□ The ceremony attendees included Kyung-hoon Bae, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT; Ui-kwan Chung, Head of the Future Innovation Growth Policy Division of Daegu Metropolitan City; Jin-taek Chung, Chair of DGIST; Kyu-Suk Chung, the First President of DGIST; and Orbit, DGIST Professor by Special Appointment. Approximately 750 attendees, including graduates, their families, and faculty members, were present at the ceremony, which consisted of a speech by President Kunwoo Lee, congratulatory messages from featured speakers, and remarks by a graduate representative, celebrating the new journey of the graduates.
□ In this ceremony, Dr. Soo-eon Lee (Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering), recipient of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Award, demonstrated his outstanding research capabilities: publication of research papers in prestigious international journals, such as “Advanced Materials” and “npj Flexible Electronics,” application for seven Korean and international patents on the development of next-generation device processes and wearable electronic devices, and selection as an “IPESK Next-Generation Engineer.” Dr. Lee stated, “A myriad of struggles and failures have accumulated, making us grow stronger. I sincerely hope that the passion and enthusiasm for research continue unabated, even at this moment of a new journey.”
□ Sang-hyuk Park, a graduate of the School of Undergraduate Studies, received the DGIST President’s Award at this ceremony. He developed a high-efficiency object-tracking technique based on deep learning technology, which led him to make a paper presentation at the 2025 Korean Robotics Society and earn the Minister of National Defense Award and the Award of the Head of the Korean Military Academy. Park stated, “Graduation is the moment when you choose the future values in your life, beyond showing what you have achieved. Let’s keep moving forward at our own speed in our respective fields.”
□ Si-yoon Park, a graduate of the School of Undergraduate Studies who received an Award from the Governor of North Gyeongsang Province, was distinguished by his research analyzing neuroimaging data through AI and electronic engineering techniques. Park stated, “DGIST’s flexible track system and the FGLP, UGRP, and internship programs enabled me to broaden my academic horizon. My academic years at DGIST were valuable, as I was able to find my own way using the diverse opportunities prepared for students.”
□ Jungwoo Lee (Graduate of the School of Undergraduate Studies), CEO of Quester, a DGIST Student Startup, developed “hand tracking” technology that accurately recognizes and interprets the movements of human hands, for which he received the “CES 2025 Innovation Award” and the “2026 Next Generation Engineer Award (Excellence Prize)” of the National Academy of Engineering of Korea. Lee revealed, “Each moment of my academic years at DGIST was a series of challenges, and during the process, I learned a precious lesson — how to move forward to achieve my goals without giving up and fearing failure. I hope my experience motivates juniors to have the courage to trust themselves more and attempt greater challenges.”
□ Kyung-hoon Bae, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, who delivered a congratulatory address, stated, “Creative human resources with the spirit of challenge and science and technology talents like you, the DGIST graduates, will shape the future of South Korea. Please lead and guide the next generation of Korean science and technology with the courage to embrace failure and the spirit of endless quest for research. The government will also serve as a reliable supporter, enabling scientists and engineers to fully pursue their dreams and delve deeply into research.”
□ DGIST President Kunwoo Lee emphasized and inspired, “The greatest asset graduates gain at DGIST is the ‘learning attitude’ of thinking, asking questions, and learning independently. In this rapidly changing AI era, the attitude of ceaselessly learning and growing will be their greatest competitive advantage. DGIST will always be a reliable companion and supporter during the numerous challenges and moments of choice graduates will face.”
□ Orbit, DGIST Professor by Special Appointment, was invited as a special lecturer at the ceremony and delivered a congratulatory message to graduates, “A hypothesis holds significance through the process of communication and verification among numerous scientists. In this manner, you should continuously communicate with other people so that your outstanding research achievements can exert a significant impact on society. In this era of rapidly changing technology, I hope you become researchers who can contemplate what values remain permanent and create your unique trajectory.”
□ Meanwhile, since the opening of the university, DGIST has produced approximately 3,000 graduates through its innovative and interdisciplinary education and research-oriented training system. These graduates have grown as leaders in science and technology across diverse fields, including academia, research institutes, and industry, both in South Korea and abroad.
