The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), headed by Minister Lee Jong Ho, announced plans to invest a total of KRW 36 billion from this year until 2028 to secure AI technology competitiveness and leap into G3 of AI. This initiative aims to establish a premier AI research hub in Korea that will bring together leading domestic and international researchers to conduct high-level AI research and foster dynamic exchanges.
Globally, leading AI nations have been forming AI research hubs through large-scale government-led investments, recognizing the explosive potential and strategic importance of AI.
Canada: The government has established three national AI research institutes, with the Vector Institute in Toronto being a prominent example.
United Kingdom: The Alan Turing Institute was founded through a joint investment by government agencies and five universities.
United States: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is expanding AI research institutes across the nation.
Korea also recognizes the necessity of creating a centralized AI research hub to secure technological competitiveness and enhance global leadership. This hub will foster a collaborative ecosystem of AI industries, academia, and research.
In response, the MSIT is launching the "AI Research Hub Project" this year with a budget of KRW 4 billion (a total of KRW 36 billion by 2028). The ministry is inviting institutions (based on industry-academic-research consortiums and involving distinguished AI researchers from both domestic and international arenas) to apply for the establishment and operation of this research hub.
The goal is to build a world-class, sustainable AI research hub that represents Korea, providing a platform for dynamic AI research exchanges and an environment conducive to intensive AI research.
Detailed information about participation application process, available support, and selection procedures will be available from May 14 through the Integrated R&D Information System (IRIS) and the Institute of Information & Communication Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP) websites. Additionally, an explanatory session will be held on May 28 at the IITP in Daejeon to facilitate understanding of the project.
Kang Do Hyun, the Second Vice Minister of MSIT, emphasized, "The era where AI competitiveness translates into national competitiveness and survival is imminent. For Korea to ascend to the AI G3, it is crucial for the government, industry, academia, and research sectors to unite. We will exert our utmost policy efforts to establish a world-class AI research hub in Korea, thereby advancing the nation's AI competitiveness."
This article was first published on 28 May by KERC.
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