Now In Korea
Ministry of Science and ICT to Invest 8.12 Trillion Won in R&D, Accelerating Korea’s Push to Become an AI Powerhouse
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT announced a 25.4% increase in research and development funding for this year, raising the total to 8.1188 trillion won. The breakdown is 6.4402 trillion won for science and technology and 1.6786 trillion won for ICT (information and communications technology). The plan emphasizes investments in future technologies such as bio and quantum, and aims to secure “super-gap” advantages in semiconductors, displays, and secondary batteries by funding core foundational research and strategic technology projects. New initiatives include AI-native advanced bio autonomous labs (135 billion won), next-generation photonic computing semiconductor tech (4.63 billion won), and fundamental next-gen battery R&D (5 billion won). Basic research funding will rise to 2.7 trillion won with more funded projects and expanded participation by universities in research support programs. A new “national scientist” (국가과학자) support program will launch with initial funding. Infrastructure projects include starting a multipurpose synchrotron accelerator and building a supercomputing system. In ICT, the ministry will concentrate on AI-driven transformation—funding lightweight, low-power AI research, human-cognition-based AI, physical-AI systems, AI-based networks (AI-RAN), and next-gen communications including 6G and low-earth-orbit satellites. Cybersecurity investments and expansion of specialized AI graduate programs are also planned. Administrative reforms aim to simplify R&D procedures, adopt data-driven management, allow English-language project calls to attract returning or foreign researchers, and reduce paperwork for ICT proposals. The ministry will publish detailed schedules and hold joint departmental briefings this month.
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