Seoul, Jan 13 (NationPress) South Korea will prioritize the advancement of its national strategic technologies this year, specifically in artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced biology, as part of its initiative to establish a leading position in the global technological competition, stated the Ministry of Science and ICT on Monday.
In a comprehensive policy report for 2025, the ministry outlined plans to create a detailed roadmap aimed at boosting the AI industry to position South Korea among the top three global leaders in this sector, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
This roadmap includes the establishment of a national AI computing center, which will secure essential graphic processing units vital for AI development, providing support to local firms and researchers.
Moreover, the government plans to initiate a project worth 1 trillion won (approximately $683.7 million) dedicated to developing artificial general intelligence and will establish an 810-billion-won fund to assist AI startups across the nation.
Additionally, the government will work on formulating regulations for this rapidly evolving technology following the recent enactment of the AI Basic Act, which is designed to promote the industry and ensure safe technology usage.
The AI Basic Act, which received approval from the National Assembly last month, is set to be implemented in January 2026.
"To secure a competitive advantage in the global technology race, we aim for digital transformation and aspire to be one of the three dominant global powers in AI," stated Science Minister Yoo Sang-im in a press release.
The ministry also plans to enhance Seoul's competitiveness in other key technologies, including advanced biology, quantum, space, and renewable energy.
As part of this initiative, the ministry will create a national bio committee to better support the advanced biology sector and develop a five-year plan in the latter half of the year to nurture the quantum industry.
Specifically, the ministry aims to officially kick off a project to create a 1,000-qubit quantum processor by 2032.
In the space domain, South Korea is preparing for the fourth launch of its indigenous space rocket Nuri and will commence private-led efforts to develop a reusable space vehicle.
Furthermore, the ministry will increase the share of investment in research and development (R&D) for strategic technologies to 35 percent of the government R&D budget by 2027.
This year, a record 2.93 trillion won will be allocated to support basic science research, fostering long-term growth in the nation's technological capabilities.
"The Ministry of Science and ICT is committed to enhancing South Korea's growth potential and shaping the future through steadfast investment and support for advanced technologies as well as nurturing talent in the science and digital technology sectors," added Yoo.
