Seven Busan universities will be working with local businesses to help train students studying secondary batteries.

Dong-A University, one of the participating universities, announced Thursday it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Pusan National University, Pukyong National University, Silla University, Kyungsung University, Kyungnam College of Information & Technology and Korea Maritime & Ocean University to work together regarding secondary batteries. The signing ceremony was held on Wednesday.

Another 20 Busan-based companies, such as Busan Techno Park, Kumyang, Unis, KoreaLFP and Busan Green Energy, are also part of the agreement.

The seven universities will co-develop a secondary battery curriculum for their students. They will also work with the participating businesses to enhance the knowledge of current employees and help the industry grow.

Following the MOU signing ceremony, around 80 graduate students and employees at the companies participated in a workshop about secondary batteries and electric vehicles at Dong-A University's Bumin campus in Seo District, Busan.

"We hope this partnership can serve as a momentum for Busan's secondary battery industry to grow and help foster necessary talent," Lee Hae-woo, president of Dong-A University, said.

BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]