The program aims to equip participants with practical AI skills and facilitate their entry into the mobility industry.
Category: Business
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia announced on April 22, 2026, the opening of applications for the eighth cohort of their Softeer Bootcamp, a software training program linked to new employee recruitment. The application period will run until May 11 at 2 p.m.
This year's bootcamp has been revamped under an "AI First" initiative, emphasizing the need for artificial intelligence skills in the rapidly changing mobility industry. The program aims to train engineers capable of applying AI tools in real-world scenarios, aligning with the industry's growing demand for AI expertise.
The Softeer Bootcamp will take place from July 1 to August 31, 2026, over a span of eight weeks. It will focus on three key areas: backend development, data engineering and architecture, and service planning. Candidates eligible to apply must be graduating or have graduated from a four-year university between February 2026 and February 2027.
Participants will undergo a selection process that includes online assessments, personality tests, and interviews to evaluate their foundational skills and job comprehension. Successful candidates will engage in theoretical education combined with team-based projects, enabling them to experience the actual development processes used in the industry.
The restructuring of the Softeer Bootcamp reflects Hyundai and Kia's strategic response to the increasing integration of AI in the mobility sector. "AI First" signifies a comprehensive shift in the curriculum, where the focus is on theoretical knowledge and on practical applications of AI in projects. This approach is intended to accelerate the adaptation of participants to real-world work environments.
Jin Eun-sook, head of ICT at Hyundai and Kia, stated, "The Softeer Bootcamp is aimed at nurturing new talent that will drive innovation within the mobility service ecosystem through AI engineering. We are committed to enhancing our selection process and program to align with the latest trends, ensuring that we fulfill our social responsibility by developing high-quality talent." Since its inception in 2023, the program has successfully trained around 500 participants across seven cohorts, many of whom have secured positions in various software roles, including at Hyundai and Kia.
This initiative aims to cultivate talent and addresses the broader industry trend toward AI adoption, known as AI transformation (AX). By prioritizing AI skills, Hyundai and Kia are positioning themselves as leaders in the future of mobility, which increasingly relies on advanced technologies.
The upcoming bootcamp will feature enhanced networking opportunities, including one-on-one mentoring sessions with industry professionals and meet-ups focused on specific job functions. These interactions are intended to provide participants with insights into the practical challenges faced in the workplace and how to effectively address them.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be offered a final interview opportunity for software development positions without the need for preliminary document screening. This streamlined process is part of Hyundai and Kia's strategy to rapidly onboard capable individuals who have demonstrated their skills during the bootcamp.
As the mobility sector continues to evolve, the demand for skilled AI professionals is expected to grow. With initiatives like the Softeer Bootcamp, Hyundai and Kia are not only contributing to the development of a skilled workforce but are also reinforcing their commitment to innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. The deadline for applications is May 11, 2026, and the program is set to commence on July 1, 2026.