First Round of New ICT R&D Projects Finalized
AI, Quantum Technology, and Next-Generation Communications Selected
This year, the government will launch 140 new information and communications technology and broadcasting research and development (ICT R&D) projects, with a total budget of 164.34 billion won, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, and next-generation communications.
The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation announced on the 27th that they have selected institutions to carry out these projects through the first 2025 ICT R&D new project call, and that research will begin in earnest.
The 140 new projects included in this first call for proposals were announced in January, and after a review for appropriateness and a selection evaluation, they were finalized through the project review committee's deliberation this month. The total ICT R&D budget, including these new projects, amounts to 1.3156 trillion won, an increase of approximately 12.9% compared to the previous year.
With the goal of becoming one of the top three AI powerhouses, the government has selected new projects in major fields such as ▲AI ▲AI semiconductors ▲quantum technology ▲next-generation communications ▲cybersecurity ▲broadcasting and content ▲digital convergence ▲digital social innovation. The main new projects and initiatives in these fields are as follows.
First, ten planning projects have been selected to conduct preliminary research on R&D methodologies for artificial general intelligence (AGI), a core strategic area (Phase 1, 3.75 billion won this year). Some of these projects will receive follow-up research support through 2029.
The government will also support the development of core AI safety technologies to reduce the existential and potential risks of advanced AI. This includes newly selected projects such as "Development of AI Safety Technologies for Coexistent and Trustworthy AI" (7.95 billion won) this year.
In addition, the government will launch the development of quantum precision measurement methodologies as foundational technologies that can be commonly used to help Korea leap forward in quantum technology competitiveness.
A budget of 31.65 billion won has also been allocated for the development of technologies to narrow the global gap in low-Earth orbit satellite communications and to develop low-Earth orbit satellite communication systems based on 6G international standards.
For cybersecurity, 7 new projects have been allocated 7.6 billion won this year, including technologies to prevent information leakage from on-device AI models and to detect and respond to cyber threats targeting ships.
To secure leading "programmable media" technologies that will revolutionize the planning, production, and transmission processes of broadcast media into a low-cost, high-efficiency structure using AI and digital technologies, a budget of 3 billion won will be invested.
Other new projects include 6G industrial technology development (10.3 billion won), the Digital Columbus Project (2.813 billion won), and the development of early detection technologies for new types of voice phishing (4.5 billion won).
Song Sanghun, Director General of Information and Communications Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "We will actively support the creation of innovative research outcomes and the establishment of a technology commercialization ecosystem so that ICT R&D can serve as a foundation for leading the era of AI transformation."
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