Ministry of SMEs and Startups Launches Full-Scale '2022 AI and Data Utilization Support Project'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on the 13th that it will actively promote a project to support manufacturing innovation in small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and manufacturing data.

This year's 'AI and Data Utilization Support Project' will begin with a technology demand survey for the development of a manufacturing data joint utilization system (platform). The project aims to develop platforms and solutions that companies can jointly use and install them on the Korea Advanced Manufacturing Platform (KAMP), with plans to support 5.34 billion KRW for six item tasks.

One technology development item will be identified in each of six areas: simulation, resource optimization, automatic data management, smart work assistance, process automation, and smart maintenance. The technology demand survey will be conducted from the 14th to the 27th.

Applications are also being accepted for the 'AI Consulting and Solution Demonstration Project,' which supports manufacturing innovation and AI adoption in smart factories for small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises. In AI consulting, optimal AI analysis models and solutions to solve process problems are recommended by analyzing data collected and stored at manufacturing sites. For this, two AI experts (masters) form one team to provide close support for companies' AI adoption consulting.

To strengthen manufacturing innovation capabilities at manufacturing sites, the 'Manufacturing Data Facilitator Training Project' will also be promoted to train employees of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises as manufacturing data facilitators. The training will be conducted over eight months in stages, from basics of manufacturing data and AI to practical application for employees on site, with all tuition fees fully covered by government funding.

Companies (organizations) wishing to participate in each project can apply online through the integrated management system of all ministries or the 1st Street project management system. For more detailed information, please refer to the Ministry of SMEs and Startups website, KAMP, and the 1st Street project management system announcements.