Seoul: South Korea will focus on advancing its national strategic technologies this year, including artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced biology, as part of efforts to take leadership in the global tech war, the science ministry said Friday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, in a joint policy report for 2025, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced plans to create a comprehensive roadmap for boosting the AI industry, with the goal of establishing South Korea as one of the top three global leaders in AI. The roadmap includes the creation of a national AI computing center to secure advanced graphic processing units, essential for AI development, and to support local companies and researchers.
The government is set to initiate a 1 trillion-won (US$683.7 million) project aimed at developing artificial general intelligence. Additionally, an 810 billion-won fund will be established to provide financial support to AI startups across the nation. As part of regulatory efforts, the government will work on setting guidelines for the rapidly evolving technology, following the recent passage of the AI Basic Act, which will come into effect in January 2026.
Science Minister Yoo Sang-im emphasized the importance of digital transformation in securing a lead in the global technology race, aiming for South Korea to become a major global power in AI. The ministry also aims to enhance Seoul's competitiveness in other strategic areas, such as advanced biology, quantum technology, space exploration, and renewable energy.
Plans are underway to establish a national bio committee to support the advanced biology sector and develop a five-year strategy to nurture the quantum industry. A significant initiative includes the development of a 1,000-qubit quantum processor by 2032.
In the space sector, South Korea plans to conduct the fourth launch of its indigenous space rocket Nuri and initiate private-led efforts to develop a reusable space vehicle. The ministry intends to increase the allocation of research and development (R and D) funds for strategic technologies to 35 percent of the government R and D budget by 2027.
A record investment of 2.93 trillion won will be directed towards basic science research this year to ensure the long-term growth of the country's technological capabilities. Yoo reiterated the ministry's commitment to enhancing South Korea's growth potential through sustained investment and support for advanced technologies and nurturing talent in science and digital technology sectors.