"Creating the Korean Version of ASML"... Ministry of Industry Launches 'Super Eul Project' in Full Swing

Minister Andeok Geun of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is presiding over the 'Super Eul Project On-site Meeting' on the 20th at the meeting room of Eotechniques in Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do. Attendees of the meeting included Sung Gyudong, CEO of Eotechniques; Kim Chanyong, President of Jahwa Electronics; Song Geumsu, CEO of PI Advanced Materials; Song Nokjeong, CEO of Yulchon Chemical; Lee Junhyuk, CEO of Dongjin Semichem; Song Youngsoo, CEO of Iljin Global; Shin Jeonghun, CEO of B2G; Jung Oeyoung, Head of KOTRA; Jeon Yunjong, President of the Korea Institute for Industrial Technology Evaluation and Planning; and Min Byeongju, President of the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology. Photo by Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

A project to nurture domestic materials, parts, and equipment (SoBuJang) companies into globally competitive 'Super Eul (乙)' companies, like the Dutch semiconductor equipment company ASML, is set to begin.

On the 20th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held a 'Super Eul Project On-site Meeting' chaired by Minister An Deok-geun at EOTechNix in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province. The meeting was attended by major domestic SoBuJang companies such as PI Advanced Materials and Jahwa Electronics, as well as related organizations including KOTRA, the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, and the Korea Institute for Industrial Technology Promotion.

'Super Eul companies' refer to market-leading companies that possess unique, inimitable technological capabilities and secure a key position in the global supply chain. The Dutch company ASML, the only producer of extreme ultraviolet lithography equipment in the world, is a prime example.

The Ministry plans to focus support on ▲Super Research and Development (R&D), ▲Super Pass, and ▲Super Growth Package to help our SoBuJang companies grow into global Super Eul companies.

First, dedicated R&D support will be provided to develop world-first and top-tier core supply chain technologies. The 'Super Eul R&D Promotion Committee,' composed of top experts in technology, market, and investment, will evaluate companies' R&D and growth strategy roadmaps to select target companies. Selected companies will receive integrated R&D support over seven years, including pioneering technology (2 years) → commercialization technology (3 years) → follow-up technology (2 years).

To accelerate early commercialization of R&D and secure the global market, the Super Pass will also be operated, linking patents, standards, certifications, global demand company discovery, and export support projects. Support for securing patents in the United States, European Union (EU), and Japan will be strengthened, and overseas mass production performance evaluations for global demand companies will be prioritized. Export support projects such as KOTRA’s market research and Global Partnering (GP) Center will also be provided in a customized manner.

A Super Growth Package covering finance, investment, taxation, and infrastructure will also be prepared. The government plans to promote the establishment of a 'Super Eul Growth Fund' in 2025, while expanding the growth foundation for Super Eul companies through taxation, SoBuJang specialized complex testbeds, and expansion of digital material development services.

The Ministry will gather opinions from industry and experts and discover additional measures, and plans to announce the 'Super Eul SoBuJang Company Growth Support Strategy' at the 'SoBuJang Competitiveness Enhancement Committee' in the fourth quarter of this year.