Upbit holds launch ceremony for 4th cohort of ‘UPSide Academy’…opens dedicated facility

Dunamu, the operator of South Korean virtual-asset exchange Upbit, said on the 24th that it held the launch ceremony for the fourth cohort of ‘UPSide Academy’ on the 23rd, a program aimed at nurturing young cybersecurity talent.

UPSide Academy is a Web3 security talent development program first introduced in Korea by Dunamu and cybersecurity specialist company Theori. Dunamu said it designed a practice-oriented curriculum so participants can adapt flexibly to the fast pace of advances in information and communications technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Specifically, trainees go through an 18-week program comprising an “intensive training period,” during which they learn and implement the latest security technologies, and a “project period,” in which they complete hands-on assignments by converging cybersecurity, Web3 and blockchain technologies.

To coincide with the launch of the fourth cohort, Dunamu also opened ‘UP Space,’ a dedicated training center in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Dunamu said, “UP Space reflects our commitment to expand UPSide Academy and nurture next-generation security talent with greater focus.”

The fourth-cohort trainees will be provided with an environment that allows them to focus on training. They will receive the latest MacBook models, a monthly stipend of 1 million won, and funding for team projects. Benefits also include a dedicated snack bar and lounge, and enrollment in safety insurance. Dunamu also plans to support community programs for networking with graduates and helping participants identify and further develop their strengths as engineers.

UPSide Academy has introduced a credit-linked internship program with eight major universities in Korea for the first time among domestic bootcamps and academies. Trainees accepted into the track will, upon completing the program, be able to receive recognition for completing up to 12 credits at their university. A separate internship allowance will also be paid.

Jung Jae-yong, Dunamu’s chief information security officer (CISO), said, “We will spare no effort in supporting trainees so they can grow further through real-world projects at the newly established UP Space and establish themselves as key talent that can contribute to the ecosystem,” adding, “Dunamu will continue to cultivate hands-on cybersecurity professionals capable of responding immediately to a rapidly changing environment.”

Park Se-joon, CEO of Theori, said, “What we emphasize and expect most from trainees is that ‘the competition is with yourself, not others,’” adding, “If you focus and immerse yourself in improving every day by comparing yourself with who you were yesterday, you will find yourself markedly different after four months.”